‘Mubarak Gul prophesied abrogation, downgrading of J&K state day in advance’

Jammu, Mar 30: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday reminisced that during the turbulent times of July-August 2019, when confusion and anxieties reigned supreme, it was only senior National Conference leader Mubarak Gul who predicted abrogation of Article 370, 35-A and downgrading of J&K State into Union Territory, exactly a day in advance.

“However, how he predicted so right, I still did not know,” the Chief Minister shared with the amused House, while opposing the Private Members’ Bill moved by Gul, “providing for the Salaries, Allowances and other benefits of the Chief Whip of the majority party in the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.”

CM was responding to the points raised by Gul, who is presently the Chief Whip of the National Conference (majority party), while passionately defending his related bill (L A Private Members’ Bill No. 19 of 2025).

The Bill was opposed by the Chief Minister, who is the Minister incharge Law and Parliamentary Affairs also, at the introduction level.

“I’m not seeking this benefit for myself. Notwithstanding the ridicule faced by all, including my family, friends and well-wishers for conceiving and bringing this bill, I brought it for the benefit of my successors – future Chief Whips. I had presented it in 2025 as well. I brought it again after studying similar bills of other states, which I’ve shared with the Assembly Secretariat. I’ve sent their copies to the Chief Minister and the Speaker also,” Gul maintained, in defence of his Bill. Passionately, he stated, “The Chief Whip plays an important role to get the government business through the Assembly and in particular to secure the government’s majority in votes on its legislative and policy programmes. The Chief Whip not only operates as an important link between the government and party but also between the government and the opposition parties. The bill aims at securing respect for the Chief Whip corresponding to his important and critical role.”

However, humbly requesting the party’s Chief whip to withdraw his bill following the government’s opposition, CM Omar stated that Gul’s respect transcended the boundaries of political parties. “There is none in the House who does not respect Gul Sahib. Post or no post, the respect – he (Gul) commands – will remain intact always. It does not require any status,” he stated.

At this point, the Chief Minister recalled that in July 2019 when there was utter confusion.

“We all were anxious and were trying to figure out – what was in store for us, for J&K. It was on August 4, 2019, we all party colleagues were busy deliberating on the issues at Nawa-i-Subh (party headquarter). None could imagine what was going to happen the next day. It was only Mubarak Gul Sahib, who all of sudden prophesied – ‘You people know nothing. Article 370 and 35 A will go. Not only that we are going to lose even our State as it will be truncated into two parts (UTs).’ Since that thought was way behind anyone’s comprehension, I laughed at it,” CM Omar recalled.

He continued, “I told him that it was impossible. Even if they (Centre) had to do it, they would do it during the election year to reap its electoral benefit.”

“On August 5, when our houses were locked and we were caged. I was flabbergasted watching TV and things unfolding exactly the way he (Gul) had predicted. Obviously, I could remember none but him only at that moment. I had a hearty laugh. I also regretted why I had laughed when Gul was narrating it. But how did he come to know about it and how did he predict it so right? That mystery still remains unresolved,” the Chief Minister stated, amid laughter, joined by the entire House.

He also recalled that Gul had served as Chief Whip with cabinet rank during Dr Farooq’s regime besides serving as Chief Whip without any rank.

“Nevertheless, we cannot accept this bill as it will open a Pandora’s box. The opposition, where the Leader of Opposition enjoys cabinet status, may also demand for similar facilities. Other States would have this provision but unfortunately, we still continue to be a UT. There are only two other UTs with assembly – Puducherry and Delhi and they too don’t have this provision,” the Chief Minister said, while requesting Gul to withdraw his bill.

NC’s Chief Whip, while thanking the Chief Minister for “his kind words” for him withdrew his bill yet suggested that the Assembly Secretary, Law Secretary and other concerned officials should study the related bills of other states as it would help “future Chief Whips.”