Alliance in Action: NC-Congress Set to Defend People’s Rights, Challenge BJP in Assembly

NC-Congress Alliance Gears Up to Counter BJP in Budget Session, Reaffirms Commitment to Statehood Restoration

JAMMU, Mar 2: In a significant political move ahead of the first Budget Session in seven years, the National Conference (NC) and Congress have resolved to jointly counter any attack by BJP members in the Legislative Assembly. The strategy was formalized during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at his official residence today.

The joint legislature party meeting saw the participation of senior alliance leaders, including NC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and JKPCC Chief Tariq Hameed Karra. Congress Legislative Party leader G.A. Mir and CPI(M) MLA Mohd Yousuf Tarigami also attended, alongside several other senior legislators. The meeting followed separate strategy sessions held earlier by both parties—NC at the CM’s residence and Congress at its headquarters on Residency Road.

The meeting primarily focused on three key issues: tackling the BJP’s opposition in the Assembly, the restoration of Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood, and ensuring a smooth and constructive Budget Session. Addressing the gathering, CPI(M) leader Mohd Yousuf Tarigami emphasized the importance of the session, stating that it is an opportunity for legislators to voice public concerns.

“The people of Jammu & Kashmir have high expectations from this elected government. The Cabinet resolution on statehood restoration is already with the Centre, and it is now the BJP-led Union Government’s responsibility to fulfill its promise,” Tarigami said.

National Conference Chief Whip Mubarak Gul reinforced the party’s stance, stating that the NC legislature party had deliberated extensively on countering BJP’s expected challenges in the Assembly. “Our members have been advised to be well-prepared. The joint meeting of alliance partners was held in a cordial atmosphere, with every participant contributing to a detailed discussion on upcoming legislative matters,” he said.

Congress Legislative Party Leader G.A. Mir also underlined the significance of the Budget Session. “For seven years, bureaucrats dictated the budget process, with Parliament discussing allocations. Now, for the first time in years, a government elected by the people will present a budget that reflects their aspirations. The people’s voice will be heard in the Assembly,” Mir asserted.

Mir further noted that despite high expectations from the public, the newly elected government has faced challenges due to prior administrative decisions. “This government took charge when funds had already been allocated by the LG administration. Now, with a budget prepared by elected representatives, we are determined to serve the public interest,” he said, adding that the upcoming budget will serve as the foundation for fulfilling the government’s manifesto promises in the 2025-26 fiscal year.

He also reiterated Congress’s firm stance on statehood restoration. “The BJP-led Central Government made a commitment in the 2021 All-Party Meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, promising reorganization, delimitation, elections, and then restoration of statehood. Now that the elections have taken place, why is the Centre delaying the process?” he questioned.

Senior Congress leader Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, along with other party members, pledged to raise key public issues, including concerns over governance, economic recovery, and employment. The meeting also saw discussions on pressing local matters such as smart meters, eviction of long-term cultivators from their lands, and protection of local job opportunities.

On the legislative front, Mir acknowledged the PDP’s plan to introduce bills related to the prohibition of alcohol and regularization of property rights. “It will be up to the House to decide on such bills, but our priority remains ensuring people’s aspirations are addressed through effective governance and legislative action,” he stated.

As the NC-Congress alliance braces for a heated Budget Session, the coming weeks are expected to witness intense political exchanges in the Assembly, with both the ruling coalition and opposition locked in a battle over governance, accountability, and the long-pending issue of statehood restoration.