Jammu Kashmir: After Calm Start, Stormy Session Expected in Assembly Today

SRINAGAR: The calm that marked the opening day of the ongoing Jammu Kashmir Assembly session is expected to give way to a stormy second day, with the opposition gearing up to corner the ruling National Conference (NC)-led government over a host of contentious issues.

As per the business schedule, a detailed agenda focusing on several matters of public importance and the introduction of key legislations has been lined up for today.

Day one of the session, held on Thursday, was limited to obituary references. However, today’s proceedings are expected to see heated exchanges, with opposition benches—led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—poised to question the government over what they describe as “unfulfilled promises, governance failures, and delayed commitments on statehood and reservation.”

Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma has already said the BJP would seek accountability from the government for what he termed a “betrayal of electoral promises.”

“The government has failed to deliver on its commitments made during the elections—whether it’s the promise of 200 free units of electricity, 12 LPG cylinders per household, or other assurances given to the people,”

BJP MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania echoed similar sentiments, accusing the NC-led government of “failing on all fronts.”

“We will expose the National Conference in the Assembly. They have miserably failed to fulfil their promises and stand exposed before the public,” Pathania said.

Another BJP leader said the party would also seek answers regarding the government’s alleged inaction on job creation.

“The NC promised one lakh jobs for the youth, but there has been no progress. We will ask what they have done for the unemployed youth in the past year,” the leader added.

Meanwhile, Kashmir-based opposition parties—including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), People’s Conference (PC), and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP)—are also expected to raise issues such as the restoration of statehood, reservation rationalisation, and region-specific developmental concerns.

According to the Legislative Assembly’s business schedule, today’s session will also take up key legislative business, including the introduction of the Jammu Kashmir Rent Authority Bill, 2025, to be presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The bill aims to regulate tenancy, safeguard the rights of both landlords and tenants, and establish an adjudicatory mechanism for speedy dispute resolution.

Additionally, the House Committee Report on the Revision of Salaries and Pensionary Benefits for Legislators, prepared by Chairman Surjeet Singh Slathia, is slated to be presented during the day’s proceedings.

The session will commence at 10:00 a.m. with the Question Hour, followed by the announcement of the Panel of Chairmen by the Speaker. The business list includes five Calling Attention Notices on issues ranging from public health and infrastructure to food supply and environmental concerns.

Mir Saifullah will highlight the non-availability of ration in snow-bound areas of Keran and Jumgand.

Nizam-ud-Din Bhat will raise alarm over the spread of Hepatitis A in Bandipora’s Arin Block.

Hilal Akbar Lone will seek compensation for fruit growers affected by the National Highway blockade.

Qaysar Jamshaid Lone will draw attention to the acute shortage of potable water in Lolab.

Ranbir Singh Pathania will question the Chief Minister regarding illegal garbage dumping by the Udhampur Municipality along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway. (KINS)