CM Omar Abdullah counters opposition, reaffirms commitment for restoration of statehood& people-centric governance

• CM calls for unity, protection of democracy, balanced regional development, safeguards for J&K agriculture and institutions

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 05:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today replied on the discussion held in the Assembly on the Motion of Thanks to the Lieutenant Governor’s address during the ongoing Budget Session.

As Leader of the House, the Chief Minister spoke at length about the priorities of his government and strongly dispelled the charges levelled against his government by the main opposition BJP, PDP and other members.

Speaking in the House, the Chief Minister thanked the Lieutenant Governor for addressing the Assembly on February 2 and presenting the government’s broad agenda. He noted that the LG’s address reflected the government’s past, present and future, but also reminded members that the address alone does not constitute the entire business of the budget session.

“The budget has to be presented. There are many things to be discussed in the budget. After that, there will be grants,” the Chief Minister said, underlining that several occasions would arise during the session where the government would present its agenda before the people.

CM Omar Abdullah observed that Governor’s or President’s address is scheduled at first session each year and are not meant to be repeated again. He said the government deliberately avoided reiterating points already mentioned in the previous two LG addresses to prevent the opposition from accusing it of offering nothing new.

However, he reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference government remains firmly committed to the promises made to the people, including the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.

“They have less to say on the LG’s address and more to say on the National Conference Manifesto,” he remarked, adding in a lighter vein that the manifesto has become the central focus of the opposition’s attacks.

He stated that no government fulfils all promises in the first year, as the foundation and preparation take time. Drawing comparisons, he pointed to long-pending promises made by previous governments, including commitments to address water scarcity in Kishtwar through a tunnel project that has remained unfulfilled even after 12 years.

Turning to the promise of 200 units of free electricity, the Chief Minister said the government is deeply conscious of its credibility and has already initiated implementation in the current financial year. He explained that the government has begun rolling out the benefit through the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana, ensuring that the promise is met through available means.

“I had never said that I will start new projects. I said that I will provide you with electricity. Now, there are many ways to provide electricity,” he stated, adding that the scheme has been started for AAY households and will be expanded to other categories as financial conditions improve.

The Chief Minister said that every year, progress will be made on manifesto commitments, and continuous discussion will ensure that the government remains accountable.

On the issue of statehood, CM Omar Abdullah reminded the House that the biggest promise made to the people by the opposition was the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He questioned why it has not yet been delivered despite repeated assurances during Parliamentary and Assembly elections.

He strongly condemned remarks suggesting separation of Jammu from Kashmir and statements reflecting mistrust. Calling such rhetoric deeply unfortunate, he said the common people of Kashmir are not against peace or the nation and have repeatedly shown courage and solidarity, including during incidents such as Pahalgam where locals came forward and even sacrificed their lives to save tourists.

Referring to the sacrifices of Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel since 1947, he recalled the historic slogan raised in Kashmir:

“Hoshyar Khabardar, Hum Kashmiri hai Tayyaar.”

The Chief Minister cautioned against divisive politics and urged members to reflect on the consequences, pointing to the situation in Ladakh. He also questioned the logic of linking statehood to complete cessation of violence, asking who bears responsibility for recent incidents of militancy, bomb blasts and attack on tourists.

He recalled that in 2019 it was claimed that removing Article 370 would end separatism, militancy, corruption and other issues, yet encounters, crackdowns and militancy persist even in 2026.

Speaking on Jammu-related concerns, CM Omar Abdullah said discrimination narratives are often raised when there is nothing else to present before the people. He described the cancellation of the Darbar Move as the biggest betrayal of Jammu in recent years, which his government has corrected.

He reiterated his government’s consistent approach of balancing development between Jammu and Kashmir, citing establishment of universities, agricultural universities and central institutions. He recalled requesting former Prime Minister Late Dr. Manmohan Singh to provide two central universities to avoid regional conflict, which was accepted.

He expressed disappointment that promised projects like the IIT branch campus remain only on paper, and criticised past decisions such as the closure of a medical college allegedly due to communal considerations.

On the demand for a National Law University, he cautioned that admissions are merit-based, and urged that institutions should not be politicised or shut down due to prejudice.

The Chief Minister proposed that the closed medical college be granted minority status so that the investment of around Rs 300 crore is not wasted and doctors can continue to be produced for all regions including Kishtwar, Doda, Kathua, Srinagar, Kupwara, Baramulla, Ganderbal and beyond.

“Doctors do not treat the world of religion,” he said, urging members to revive the institution for the benefit of Jammu and Kashmir.

Highlighting governance challenges under the UT with Assembly model, CM Omar Abdullah described it as extremely difficult to function when authority is constrained. He questioned who devised such a system and called for its abolition, saying either UTs should not have Assemblies or such regions should be granted full statehood.

He cited administrative disruptions, including the transfer of the Finance Secretary just days before the budget preparation, calling it unprecedented. He also raised concern over the Resident Commissioner post being assigned additional burdens, affecting effective liaison with the Government of India.

The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction that business rules are expected to be finalised soon, which will reduce confusion and allow smoother governance.

On reservations issue, CM Omar Abdullah noted that the issue gained prominence only after the National Conference included it in its manifesto. He said his government fulfilled its commitment within six months through a Cabinet Sub-Committee led by Minister Sakina Itoo, submission of the report, preparation of a Cabinet Note, approval by the Council of Ministers and forwarding to the Lieutenant Governor, who has now referred it to the Home Ministry.

He urged those protesting to take their demands directly to the Union Home Minister, noting that if J&K were a state, such matters would not require central referral.

Regarding pre-budget consultations, the Chief Minister asserted that across all 90 constituencies, work has been initiated based on MLA priorities. He invited any member who feels otherwise to approach him personally, promising to provide lists of works undertaken.

Rejecting allegations of silence, CM Omar Abdullah said neither he nor his government has remained silent on issues affecting the emotions of the people, including prisoners lodged outside, harassment of journalists, and democratic concerns.

He criticised intimidation of journalists, stating that democracy cannot survive if the press is harassed. He also questioned unnecessary surveys of mosque imams and the summoning of reporters for raising civic issues like snow clearance delays.

The Chief Minister said he has raised concerns about Kashmiris being silenced or targeted in other parts of the country, including at the North Zone Chief Ministers’ Conference, urging that such actions increase distances rather than building unity. He said he would reiterate these concerns in his meeting with the Union Home Minister later tonight.

Drawing contrasts with opposition leaders, he recalled instances when they failed to speak during sensitive moments such as the 2008 Amarnath land row and the 2016 unrest, remarking that sometimes silence would have been better than insensitive statements.

The Chief Minister also raised concern over reports regarding an Indo-US trade deal, particularly the possibility of zero percent duty on agricultural imports from America. Expressing deep anxiety for apple growers in Rafiabad, Baramulla, Sopore, Shopian, Wachi and other apple-producing belts, he sought assurance that local agriculture will be protected.

Concluding, CM Omar Abdullah stressed that integration cannot be achieved through speeches, schemes, arrests or PSA alone. True integration, he said, can only come through winning hearts.

“Integration will only be done by winning hearts,” he asserted, adding that the dream of integration belongs to all.