Srinagar, Mar 3: A day ahead of the first budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Legislative Assembly, both the ruling alliance and the opposition have locked in their battle strategies, setting the stage for a politically charged showdown in the House
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-stakes joint legislature party meeting of the National Conference (NC) and Congress in Jammu on Sunday, signaling an attempt to project unity amid persistent whispers of friction within the alliance. The meeting assumed added significance as opposition parties—including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Conference (PC), and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP)—have vowed to put the government on the defensive over unfulfilled promises and contentious issues.
A senior NC leader disclosed that the ruling bloc strategized to counter the opposition’s offensive, particularly as the BJP, with its 28 MLAs, prepares to target the government over its failure to deliver on key manifesto promises, including free electricity and subsidized rations.
Meanwhile, the Kashmir-based opposition—PDP, PC, and AIP—is sharpening its attack on issues deeply resonant in the Valley, particularly the revocation of Article 370 and the demand for an alcohol ban. PDP and PC have already tabled resolutions and bills on these matters, setting the stage for heated confrontations. However, the BJP has made it clear that it will vehemently oppose any attempt to raise Article 370 in the Assembly.
The BJP is scheduled to hold its legislature party meeting in Jammu on March 2 to finalize its approach for the session, which marks the first budget sitting of the elected government since 2018. The session follows the turmoil of the last legislative meet in Srinagar, where the BJP launched fiery protests against NC’s attempt to introduce a resolution advocating for the restoration of J&K’s special status.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is set to present his maiden budget for the Union Territory on March 7, with proceedings scheduled to continue until April 11. With political fault lines hardening, the Assembly is bracing for a stormy season of debates, disruptions, and high-octane political drama.
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