Srinagar. After a seven‑day autumn sitting, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly wrapped up its agenda, leaving the chamber split between the ruling coalition and a vociferous opposition bloc. On the final day, opposition leader Sunil Sharma unleashed a blistering critique of the Omar Abdullah government, asserting that a litany of grievances raised by legislators and ordinary citizens remain unresolved.
Opposition’s Catalogue of Complaints
Sharma dismissed the administration’s claim that the session yielded tangible results. He pointed out that, although the Bharatiya Janata Party raised issues from numerous districts, matters affecting daily‑wage workers, contract staff, National Health Mission employees, ASHA volunteers and Anganwadi personnel were relegated to the sidelines.
Statehood Amendment Triggers Fierce Clash
The most polarising episode revolved around a resolution demanding the full restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tabled the motion on 25 September, and the Assembly approved it despite a walk‑out and protests from BJP legislators.
While the BJP publicly endorses the return of statehood, it objected to the wording of the resolution, which alluded to earlier positions on autonomy and special status. Sharma denounced the text as unconstitutional and queried why Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather allowed the debate to proceed in spite of objections from the Law Department and the Chief Secretary.
Speaker Faces Intense Scrutiny
Sharma pressed the Speaker to assume responsibility for permitting the contentious resolution to be debated and adopted. Rather defended the Assembly’s procedural safeguards, insisting that the house adhered to established rules for such matters. The exchange amplified the confrontations that characterised the week‑long session.
BJP Vows Rigorous Oversight of the Government
Following adjournment, Sharma pledged that the opposition would keep the administration under close watch. He announced that the BJP would compile a detailed dossier contrasting the promises made by the Abdullah ministry with its actual performance.
Session Ends with Deepening Polarisation
The autumn session concluded with stark disagreements over governance priorities, public‑service challenges, and the statehood amendment, underscoring the enduring political divide within the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.
