Jammu, Mar 3: The first Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly commenced in Jammu on Monday with an address by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. However, the speech quickly drew sharp criticism from opposition parties, particularly for its omission of any reference to Article 370 and its possible restoration.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti termed the LG’s speech as uninspiring and disconnected from the ground realities of Jammu and Kashmir. “This address was no different from his previous speeches on Independence Day or other ceremonial occasions. It failed to acknowledge the disempowerment and alienation of the people,” she said at a press conference in Srinagar.
Mehbooba pointed out that while the Union Home Minister had assured the restoration of J&K’s statehood in Parliament, the concerns of the people extended far beyond that. “The issue is not just about statehood; it is about restoring dignity and the special status that was unilaterally taken away in August 2019,” she added.
The LG’s address did touch upon statehood, stating, “One of the foremost aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is the restoration of full statehood. My government remains steadfast in addressing this legitimate desire through dialogue with stakeholders to ensure peace, stability, and progress.” However, this did little to placate the opposition.
Sajad Gani Lone, president of the People’s Conference (PC) and MLA from Handwara, was equally scathing in his criticism. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Lone remarked that the LG’s speech “sounded like a BJP manifesto.” He expressed disappointment over the complete absence of references to Article 370, Article 35A, or the Reorganisation Act. “The National Conference-led government has now dropped even the pretense of standing for Article 370. This address was indistinguishable from a BJP government’s statement,” he posted.
Mehbooba also lashed out at the National Conference (NC), accusing it of capitulating to the BJP’s agenda. “People gave NC a decisive mandate, but instead of standing up for J&K’s rights, they have chosen silence over the abrogation of Article 370,” she said.
Lone echoed this sentiment, highlighting what he called a glaring ideological shift within the NC. “During the election campaign, NC’s entire narrative revolved around Article 370, painting others as BJP’s proxies. Now, the same party refuses to even acknowledge its existence,” he said.
Beyond the Article 370 debate, Lone was critical of the broader vision—or lack thereof—presented in the LG’s speech. “If this address was meant to outline the government’s roadmap, it is as directionless as it can get. It was nothing more than a bureaucratic report without any fresh political, social, or economic initiatives,” he remarked.
He warned that the absence of political leadership in governance would result in an administration dominated by bureaucrats. “The last administration was run by bureaucrats, and it seems this one will be no different. There is no political vision, no fresh approach, and no creativity in governance,” Lone stated.
The ongoing Budget Session, the first since Jammu and Kashmir became a Union Territory in 2019, will see Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presenting the budget statement, marking a shift from previous years when the Union Finance Minister tabled the region’s budget in Parliament. The session, spanning 22 sittings, is expected to witness intense debates over governance, political representation, and the region’s future trajectory. [KNT]
Comment List