J&K Assembly Autumn Session: Farooq Abdullah Defends Assembly Debate and Statehood Demand

J&K Assembly Autumn Session has witnessed intense political exchanges over the role of the Legislative Assembly, criticism of the government and the demand for restoration of full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has defended the nature of discussions inside the House, saying that questioning the government and even targeting the Chief Minister is part of the democratic process.

The remarks came against the backdrop of a politically charged Autumn Session of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, during which the House passed a resolution seeking the immediate restoration of full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir.

The resolution also referred to earlier Assembly resolutions from 2000 and 2024, leading to strong objections from BJP legislators.

Farooq Abdullah on the J&K Assembly Autumn Session

Speaking about the J&K Assembly Autumn Session, Farooq Abdullah explained that the primary purpose of a legislative session is to facilitate debate, raise public concerns and hold the government accountable.

According to Abdullah, discussions in the Assembly are intended to highlight shortcomings in government functioning and provide an opportunity for the government to respond to questions raised by legislators.

He said that targeting the Chief Minister should also be viewed within this democratic framework. In his words, whoever occupies the office of Chief Minister has to face criticism and questions during Assembly proceedings.

The National Conference president's comments underline the opposition and legislative role of elected representatives, where government policies and decisions can be questioned publicly inside the House.

Assembly as a forum for public issues

Abdullah had also urged legislators ahead of the Autumn Session to focus on issues concerning people in their respective constituencies. He described the Assembly as a forum where public concerns can be raised, answers can be sought from the government and discussions can take place on matters of public interest.

The Autumn Session subsequently saw discussions on several political and legislative issues, alongside protests and disruptions involving BJP legislators.

J&K Statehood Resolution Sparks Political Debate

A major focus of the J&K Assembly Autumn Session was the resolution seeking restoration of full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah moved the resolution on September 25, calling for the immediate and urgent restoration of full statehood. The resolution was subsequently passed by the Assembly on September 28.

The resolution referred to previous resolutions passed by the House, including the 2000 resolution on autonomy and the 2024 resolution concerning special status. These references became a major point of contention between the ruling National Conference-led government and the BJP.