As Jammu and Kashmir prepares for its first budget session in seven years, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a meeting with alliance partners to ensure the smooth functioning of the house. The 40-day session, beginning on March 3, will have 22 sittings and start with an address by the Lieutenant Governor.
This will be the first budget of the government since it took office in October last year. Abdullah, who will present the budget on March 7, previously served as the chief minister from 2009 to 2014.
In the past, budgets were passed by Parliament due to the absence of a legislative assembly in J&K. The last state budget was approved in 2019-20 by then-Governor Satya Pal Malik after the PDP-BJP government collapsed in 2018.
The meeting, attended by Congress leader G A Mir, CPI(M) MLA M Y Tarigami, and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, followed a separate discussion between National Conference legislators at the Chief Minister’s residence. The Congress legislative party also held its own meeting before joining the broader discussion.
After the meeting, Tarigami told reporters that people have high expectations from the new government, and lawmakers have a duty to address their concerns in the assembly. He emphasised the importance of restoring statehood, highlighting that the central government had repeatedly promised it.
National Conference Chief Whip Mubarak Gul said the meeting focused on preparing for opposition challenges in the assembly. He described the discussion as constructive, with various concerns being addressed.
Congress leader G A Mir pointed out that, unlike the past seven years when bureaucrats prepared the budget, this time it would reflect the people's aspirations. He assured that the government would fulfill its promises over the next five years.
Speaking earlier at the Congress headquarters, Mir noted that both ruling and opposition parties traditionally hold pre-session meetings to discuss key issues. He defended the government against criticism, stating that it had inherited a pre-decided budget upon taking office. He expressed hope that the upcoming budget would address public concerns and lay the groundwork for the government's plans in 2025-26.
Mir also reiterated that the delay in restoring statehood was due to the BJP-led central government, which had earlier assured that statehood would follow delimitation and elections. He emphasized that the INDIA alliance remains committed to this demand, with Congress leading the push.
Regarding the PDP’s plan to introduce bills on alcohol prohibition and property rights, Mir said it was up to the assembly to decide. He questioned why the PDP had not pursued these issues while in power with the BJP, adding that the government’s priority is fulfilling the election promises that earned public support.
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