Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Concludes Autumn Session Amid Heated Opposition Over Statehood Motion

Srinagar. The seven‑day autumn session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly wrapped up, leaving the chamber split between the ruling coalition and an outspoken opposition. On the final day, opposition leader Sunil Sharma launched a blistering critique of the Omar Abdullah government, insisting that numerous complaints raised by legislators and ordinary citizens remain unresolved.

Opposition’s List of Grievances

Sharma dismissed the administration’s claim that the session had been productive. He pointed out that, although the Bharatiya Janata Party tabled concerns from several districts, matters affecting daily‑wage laborers, contractual staff, National Health Mission workers, ASHA volunteers and Anganwadi employees were left untouched.

Statehood Resolution Ignites Controversy

The most contentious episode revolved around a resolution seeking the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah introduced the motion on September 25, and the Assembly approved it despite a walk‑out and protests by BJP legislators.

While the BJP publicly endorses the return of statehood, it objected to the wording of the resolution, which referenced earlier positions on autonomy and special status. Sharma labeled the text unconstitutional and asked why Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather allowed the debate to proceed despite objections from the Law Department and the Chief Secretary.

Speaker Comes Under Fire

Sharma pressed the Speaker to take responsibility for permitting the controversial resolution to be discussed and adopted. Rather defended the Assembly’s procedural safeguards, asserting that the house follows established rules for such matters. The exchange heightened the tensions that characterized the week‑long session.

BJP Vows Rigorous Scrutiny of the Government

After adjournment, Sharma pledged that the opposition would keep the government under close watch. He announced that the BJP would compile a detailed dossier contrasting the promises made by the Abdullah ministry with its actual achievements.

Session Ends with Deepening Divide

The autumn session concluded with stark disagreements over governance priorities, public‑service concerns, and the statehood resolution, underscoring the enduring political rift within the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.