J&K Assembly Braces For Heated Budget Session

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- The stage is set for a stormy budget session of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly starting on March 3 as issues like Article 370, reservation, human rights, and election commitments made by the National conference in its election manifesto are expected to take center stage. Ahead of the session, all major Political parties are holding separate meetings of their legislature parties in the winter capital, Jammu, tomorrow to chalk out their strategies for the session.

The divided opposition, comprising the BJP and Kashmir-based parties, is set to take on the ruling National Conference-led alliance over a gamut of issues. While the 28-member BJP plans to corner the government on commitments made by the National Conference in its election manifesto, ranging from free electricity to free ration, the Kashmir-based parties, including the PDP and Peoples Conference, will question the government on issues like Article 370 and the alcohol ban.

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Both the PC and PDP have already set the tone for a stormy session by bringing resolutions and bills on Article 370 and alcohol. The BJP has indicated that it would oppose any move to raise issues like Article 370 in the House. Sunil Sharma, leader of the opposition in the J&K Assembly, told the Speaker during an all-party meeting held in Jammu on February 27 that they wouldn't permit any unconstitutional and anti-national resolution, question, or bill in the House.

The National Conference on Saturday said that the Speaker would take a final call on business of the House and they (BJP) are just making such statements for scoring brownie points.

To a question that BJP has urged the Speaker that he shouldn't permit any unconstitutional, anti- national and undemocratic activity in the House in the wake of Article 370 resolution submitted by PC president Sajad Gani Lone, the NC today said that the Speaker has to decide on the Business of the House.

Read Also Article 370 Abrogation Proved To Be Good For J&K's Development: Union Minister Athawale J&K Assembly Gears Up For Crucial Budget Session

“The Speaker would decide on whether any bill is unconstitutional and anti-national and qualifies to be introduced in the House. The Speaker is in the House. A team of legal experts looks into bills to be tabled. The Parliamentary Affairs Ministry ensures that no anti- national or unconstitutional bill is tabled in the House,” NC leader and MLA Hazratbal Salman Sagr told reporters here.

He said that BJP is just making these statements to score brownie points.

PC president Sajad Gani Lone has submitted a resolution in the Assembly seeking condemnation of abrogation of Article 370 and Art. 35A. Lone has also sought restoration of the pre- August 5, 2019 constitutional position. On the other hand, the BJP is demanding that no such resolution should be brought in the House, saying that they wouldn't permit any unconstitutional and anti- national activity in the House

As earlier reported, the National Conference and Congress are holding separate legislature party meetings in Jammu tomorrow to devise their strategy for the session. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will chair the NC meeting at his official residence on Wazarat Road, while Tariq Hamid Karra will preside over the Congress meeting at party headquarters in Jammu. The BJP is also expected to hold its legislature party meeting in Jammu on March 2 or 3.

Several private member bills are also expected to spark debate. A proposed liquor ban has gained momentum, with PDP's Mir Mohammad Fayaz, AIP's Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, and NC's Ahsan Pardesi advocating for a complete prohibition on alcohol in the Union Territory. PDP's Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra has introduced a bill seeking ownership rights for residents living on state land for over two decades, along with another bill aimed at regularization of daily wagers and temporary workers. Meanwhile, NC's Dr. B.A. Veeri has put forward a reservation reform bill, proposing a 40% cap for reserved categories and 60% for open merit, a move backed by student groups. Additionally, Veeri has also introduced legislation to protect Karewa lands from unchecked soil extraction and mining, citing their ecological and archaeological significance. With these key proposals on the table, the session is expected to witness intense discussions and political maneuvering.

According to officials, extensive arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth conduct of the session.

Security measures have been heightened around the legislative complex, and essential infrastructure upgrades are being completed to accommodate the participants.

This marks the first budget presentation under the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government since it assumed power on October 16, 2024, bringing an end to six years of central rule.

The speaker said he had convened a meeting of the members on February 27 ahead of the start of the budget session to discuss important issues for smooth running of the House.

“People have high hopes with their legislators. They should give preference to the issues of the public and also perform their duty responsibly,” Abdul Rahim Rather said.

Omar Meets LG Sinha

Srinagar- Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday and discussed various issues relating to the forthcoming Budget Session of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

The Budget Session, 2025 of the Assembly will commence on Monday the 3rd March, 2025.

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