In what gave indications of some differences between the alliance partners, the Congress party on Monday boycotted the joint meeting of MLAs convened by the National Conference to chalk out strategy ahead of the ongoing Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. J&K Congress had convened the meeting of its MLAs on Sunday separately in which the JKPCC chief gave directions about the issues to be raised during the budget session.
The NC meeting on Monday was presided over by Legislature Party Leader and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Letters written by NC Chief Whip Mubarak Gul to were already sent party MLAs. The joint meeting, which was aimed at finalising floor strategy and preparations for the Budget Session, was chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. However, the Congress chose to stay away from the deliberations, with none of its MLAs participating in the meeting.
While no official statement has been issued by the Congress so far explaining the reasons for its absence, the development has once again highlighted the lack of coordination within the alliance. Political observers say the apparent communication gap in the coordination committee is creating visible strains within the NC-led alliance.
Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly began on Monday. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is scheduled to present the second budget of the National Conference government on February 6, after which the House will take up detailed discussions, including the question-and-answer session.
The Congress boycott has added a new political dimension to the Budget Session, which is already being closely watched for its policy direction and alliance dynamics.However, in order to devise its own strategy, for the session ahead of the Budget Session, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) on Sunday convened a meeting under the chairmanship of JKPCC Chief Tariq Hameed Karra. Apart from other issues, the leadership is said to have given directions to MLAs of the party not to lose sight of statehood demand, which is the core agenda of the party both inside the House and outside the legislature.
During the discussion, the CLP reviewed the current political and socio-economic situation and outlined key issues of public concern to be addressed during the upcoming budget session. Priority topics included relief and rehabilitation for flood victims, issues faced by daily wagers, need-based, casual, contractual, and other temporary employees, widespread unemployment, inflation, delays in restoring statehood, and the impact of the closure of MGNREGA in J&K.
The legislators said that development, welfare, and essential services such as water, power, connectivity, health, and education would be at the forefront of their agenda. They also committed to focusing on the needs of the people, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively, and countering divisive and communal narratives in the Assembly.
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