The month-long budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly began in Jammu on Monday. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, in his address, reaffirmed the government’s ‘commitment to restoring statehood’. He emphasised that the administration will continue engaging with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that this long-standing demand is met. His statement comes at a time when parties have been pressing the centre for clarity on its stance regarding the future political status of Jammu and Kashmir. During his speech in Jammu, the LG also addressed the issue of Kashmiri Pandits, stating that the government is committed to facilitating their return and ensuring a safe environment for them. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of strengthening Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies through timely elections, aiming to enhance grassroots governance in the Union Territory. He also reiterated the government”s commitment to maintaining peace and prosperity and fulfilling promises made to the people. His remarks are expected to set the tone for the debates that will follow in the session, where the opposition parties—PDP, BJP, and the Peoples Conference—are likely to challenge the government on various issues. Among the topics expected to dominate discussions are the abrogation of Article 370, election promises made by different political parties and the reservation controversy. The Congress has already stated that it will strongly raise the demand for statehood restoration, while the BJP has said that it will focus on day-to-day governance rather than constitutional matters. Debates on the LG’s address have been scheduled for 4, 5, and 6 March, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah set to respond on 6 March. A day later, on 7 March, he will present his first budget as Finance Minister. This will be the first time in seven years that Jammu and Kashmir’s budget is being presented in the Assembly, the last being in January 2018, when Dr Haseeb Drabu, as Finance Minister, laid out the financial roadmap for the then-state under Mehbooba Mufti’s PDP-BJP government. The previous legislative session, held in Srinagar last year, witnessed tense moments, particularly when BJP MLAs staged strong protests after the Assembly passed a resolution calling for the restoration of special status. Given this backdrop, all eyes are on the current session to see whether it will follow a similar trajectory or allow for constructive discussions on pressing governance and policy matters. It remains to be seen how different political groups will approach key issues and whether the proceedings will be conducted smoothly without disruptions. In a democracy, the legislature plays a crucial role in upholding the people’s mandate and ensuring governance that reflects public interest. Elected representatives have a responsibility to engage in meaningful debates, respect parliamentary procedures and work towards solutions rather than resorting to disruptions. Frequent disturbances, unruly behaviour and walkouts not only waste valuable legislative time but also undermine the trust that citizens place in democratic institutions. While political disagreements are natural in a diverse polity, they must be expressed through reasoned arguments and constructive dialogue rather than obstructionist tactics.
Session Opens
