Jammu: As the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s Budget Session commenced today, the political discourse quickly intensified with leaders from different parties expressing their views on the Governor’s address and outlining their expectations for the future.
Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary reiterated the government’s confidence in the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, an issue that has remained a key focus for both the local populace and political leadership. Speaking to The News Now, Choudhary emphasized that the Prime Minister and Home Minister had assured the people of J&K that statehood would be restored once normalcy was achieved. He expressed optimism that this promise would soon be fulfilled, highlighting the improved situation post-elections and the functioning Assembly as key factors in the government’s readiness to act.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma raised concerns about the government’s failure to reflect its manifesto in the Governor’s address. While acknowledging the routine nature of the speech, Sharma criticized the omission of key promises such as free gas cylinders, pensions, employment opportunities, and 200 units of free electricity. He urged the government to fulfill its commitments, emphasizing that the people of J&K had been waiting for the promises made in the manifesto to be delivered. He also called for a more efficient governance system to address the daily challenges faced by citizens and highlighted the BJP’s role in holding the government accountable for its unfulfilled promises.
MLA Sajad Shaheen, reflecting on the address by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, emphasized the critical need for political stability and clarity through the restoration of statehood. Shaheen, speaking exclusively to The News Now, welcomed the long-awaited Assembly session and hoped that it would address the concerns of the people, especially regarding statehood. He also spoke about the importance of a pro-people budget that ensures justice and benefits all sections of society.
Basohli MLA Darshan Singh Thakur raised several pressing issues affecting his constituency, particularly the long-standing demand to restore Basohli’s district status. Thakur stressed that this issue would be a key point of discussion in the Assembly, along with the stalled nine-megawatt hydroelectric project and unaddressed compensation for landowners affected by the Ranjit Sagar Dam. He also expressed deep sorrow over the recent suicide case of a student at Churamani Sanskrit School, assuring that justice would be sought for the family.
BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa took the opportunity to voice concerns over the government’s performance and budget allocation. He criticized the government for its failure to provide tangible results and questioned whether the promises made, including the provision of 12 gas cylinders, smart meter removal, and the creation of 100,000 government jobs, would be fulfilled. Randhawa also dismissed the recent discussions about Article 370 as publicity stunts by Kashmir-centric political parties, emphasizing that the focus should remain on addressing the real issues affecting the people.
BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma described the opening day of the session as routine, highlighting the formation of a panel to assist in conducting the House proceedings and the obituary references made to honor deceased members. Sharma also commented on potential legislative discussions, noting that while it was premature to comment on bills such as the proposed ban on liquor or granting ownership rights to state land residents, BJP would carefully deliberate on these matters if they were introduced.
As the session progresses, all eyes will remain on how the government addresses these key concerns, fulfills its promises, and ensures a balanced approach to governance for both Jammu and Kashmir. The opposition, led by the BJP, has committed to holding the government accountable for its actions, ensuring that the people’s interests remain at the forefront of legislative discussions.
