Jammu Tawi, Feb 5: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed the Assembly today during the Budget Session, replying to discussions on the Motion of Thanks to the Lieutenant Governor’s address. As Leader of the House, he outlined his government’s priorities, countered opposition criticisms, and reaffirmed commitment to the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
Thanking the Lieutenant Governor for the February 2 address, CM Omar noted it highlighted the government’s past, present, and future work but emphasized that the full budget would detail government priorities, grants, and schemes. He explained that points from previous LG addresses were not repeated deliberately to avoid opposition criticism, while assuring that the National Conference government remains committed to fulfilling its manifesto promises.
On governance, he acknowledged that no government can fulfill all promises in its first year and cited examples of long-pending projects from previous administrations, including water scarcity solutions in Kishtwar. Highlighting ongoing initiatives, he noted that the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana had begun providing 200 units of free electricity to AAY households, with plans to expand coverage as finances allow.
On statehood, CM Omar criticized the opposition for promising its restoration yet failing to deliver. He condemned divisive rhetoric about Jammu and Kashmir, praised local resilience during crises like Pahalgam, and recalled the sacrifices of the J&K Police since 1947. He warned against politics that could replicate tensions seen in Ladakh and questioned the logic of linking statehood to complete cessation of violence, pointing out persistent militancy despite the removal of Article 370 in 2019.
Addressing regional concerns, he cited measures to balance development between Jammu and Kashmir, including establishing universities, agricultural institutes, and central institutions. He criticized delays in projects like the IIT branch campus and proposed granting minority status to a closed medical college to preserve investment and continue producing doctors for the region.
CM Omar highlighted governance challenges under the Union Territory model with an Assembly, calling for either abolition of such structures or restoration of full statehood. He cited administrative disruptions, including transfers during budget preparation, and welcomed upcoming finalization of business rules to streamline governance.
On reservations, he said the government fulfilled manifesto commitments within six months and urged protesters to address the Union Home Minister directly, noting that statehood would eliminate central referrals. He also spoke on pre-budget constituency consultations, democratic concerns, and the harassment of journalists, emphasizing that democracy cannot survive without a free press.
Expressing concern for agricultural issues, CM Omar highlighted threats to apple growers from potential zero-duty imports under an Indo-US trade deal. Concluding his address, he stressed that true integration of Jammu and Kashmir can only be achieved by winning hearts, not through speeches, schemes, or coercion.
“Integration will only be done by winning hearts,” he asserted, emphasizing that the vision of unity belongs to all.
