Betrayal of Public Mandate: Sunil Sharma slams CM Omar Abdullah over Land Grants Bill
01 April 2026: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and NC government, accusing them of “brazenly betraying the public mandate” by facilitating policies aimed at protecting elite and vested interests.
Sharma alleged that the government’s move to allow a private member’s bill seeking amendments to the Land Grants Act exposes its true intent, favouring a privileged few at the cost of the common people. He said the speed with which the Chief Minister permitted the bill raises serious questions about the motives behind the decision.
“For all those who voted for the National Conference believing it would fight for their rights, it is with deep regret that I say this, your mandate now appears to be used not for public good, but to safeguard elite interests,” Sharma said. “Be it Nedous, the Chief Minister’s personal property, or a circle of influential, blue-eyed, cocktail-circuit associates, this government is working overtime to protect its own.”
Sunil Sharma asserted that the proposed amendments are a calculated attempt to re-open the doors for re-leasing vast tracts of prime government land at throwaway prices. “This is not an isolated decision, it reflects a pattern that has persisted for decades, where public resources are quietly handed over to the powerful and well-connected,” he added.
Sharma further accused Omar Abdullah of prioritizing personal and political interests over public welfare. “The Chief Minister seems more concerned about safeguarding his own properties and those of his blue-eyed favorites than protecting the rights of ordinary citizens. This is governance for the elite, by the elite,” he said.
Sunil Sharma questioned the moral basis of the government’s actions, and asked “What message does this send to the common citizen of Jammu & Kashmir? That their vote can be misused to empower a privileged few? Instead of safeguarding public assets and ensuring justice for the marginalized, this government is enabling and patronizing those who have long benefited at the cost of the poor.”
Sharma called the move “deeply unfortunate and alarming,” and said that such actions erode public trust and weaken democratic accountability. He termed this as disappointing and a clear betrayal of trust. The people of Jammu & Kashmir deserve transparency, fairness, and governance that serves all, not just a select few,” he concluded.
