Stormy Budget session on cards as Opposition parties set to take on NC govt

The stage is set for a stormy Budget session in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly—the first under an elected government since 2018—as opposition parties gear up to challenge the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led National Conference (NC) government.

The session will commence on Monday at 10 am with an address by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has already signaled its aggressive stance ahead of the session, with party chief Mehbooba Mufti frequently criticising Omar Abdullah for allegedly following New Delhi’s directives. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to corner the Union Territory government on issues such as free electricity and other promises made in its manifesto.

Despite having only three MLAs, the PDP is likely to target the NC government on multiple fronts, including the dismissal of employees over alleged terror links and alleged human rights violations. The party is also expected to raise the now-abrogated special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

Another contentious issue set to spark heated debate in the Assembly is the proposed ban on alcohol. Three MLAs from different parties have already submitted private members’ bills seeking the prohibition of liquor sales in J&K. While the government has not yet responded to these bills, liquor sales generate significant tax revenue for the UT.

In the 90-member Assembly—excluding two vacant seats—the NC holds 41 seats, the BJP 28, independents seven, Congress six, PDP three, CPI(M) one, AAP one, and Peoples Conference one.

During a recent meeting with the Speaker, the BJP indicated that it would not allow any “unconstitutional or anti-national” bill to be presented in the House. The party is expected to strongly oppose any proposals from Kashmir-centric legislators that it deems controversial.

Peoples Conference chief Sajad Gani Lone has submitted a resolution seeking the condemnation of the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. This is likely to trigger a major uproar, as the BJP has already vowed to oppose any such move “tooth and nail.”

After Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather expressed concern over the public disclosure of House business notices—particularly those related to the alcohol ban—Mehbooba Mufti accused him of trying to impose “martial law.” In response, the Speaker stated, “I am sorry to say that she has not been properly advised, and her statement contradicts the Rules position.”

A recent letter from the J&K Assembly Secretariat emphasised the solemnity of the L-G’s address, urging legislators to maintain “utmost dignity, decency, and decorum.” It also instructed all MLAs to be seated five minutes before the L-G’s arrival and to remain seated until he exits the Assembly Hall.

Notably, this will be the first Budget session under an elected government since the BJP-PDP coalition collapsed in June 2018. It will also mark the first time that the Chief Minister himself presents the budget, as Omar Abdullah currently holds the Finance portfolio.