Jammu and Kashmir's Budget Session commenced on March 3rd. Omar Abdullah dismissed rumors of reinstating Article 370 and forming an alliance with the BJP. He also expressed emotional remembrance of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly's budget session began on Monday (March 3rd), where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made significant statements regarding the reinstatement of Article 370 and the special status of the state. He explicitly stated that the proposal passed in the Assembly remains in effect. Simultaneously, he rejected rumors of an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Proposal Regarding Article 370 Remains Valid
On the first day of the budget session, in a conversation with reporters following the Lieutenant Governor's address, Omar Abdullah stated, "The proposal passed in the Assembly regarding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special status is still valid." He mentioned that this proposal was introduced in the Assembly in November and was passed despite opposition from the BJP.
He further added that passing this proposal was not easy, but it symbolizes the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Many parties, including the PDP, supported it.
Dismissal of Alliance Rumors with BJP
Regarding discussions of an alliance between the National Conference (NC) and the BJP, Omar Abdullah clearly stated, "There are no discussions underway regarding any kind of alliance with the BJP. There is no need for it, and no possibility exists. Our ideologies don't match. Our perspectives on Jammu and Kashmir are entirely different." He mentioned that his party will discuss all important issues related to Jammu and Kashmir in the upcoming session.
Emotional Remembrance of Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
Remembering former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah became emotional. He stated, "We will never reach the level of progress on Kashmir resolution between India and Pakistan that was achieved during Manmohan Singh's tenure."
He further added that Manmohan Singh made significant efforts to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir issue internationally. Although Dr. Manmohan Singh did not initiate it, it began during the tenures of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and then-President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf.
Important Issues to be Raised in the Budget Session
The budget session will see the government discuss Jammu and Kashmir's economic and political issues. Discussions are likely to cover the reinstatement of Article 370, unemployment, development projects, and central government policies.
