Statehood & dual control of power remain crucial issues for Omar govt
Though the 2024 Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir fulfilled the long-standing demand for an elected government, the absence of statehood and the dual control of powers remain significant issues for the new government.
In September, J&K saw its first Assembly elections since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Following the results in October, the National Conference (NC) emerged as the single-largest party, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured the highest number of seats in the Jammu region. Consequently, it was the NC that formed the government in the Union Territory (UT).
However, two months after the formation of the government, Valley-based legislators are expressing concerns. They acknowledge the significance of the 2024 elections but are now calling on the Central government to promptly restore statehood and end the dual power centres within the UT.
Kulgam MLA and CPM leader MY Tarigami told that commitments made by the Union Government must be honoured. “What we are suggesting is that statehood, which is the minimum demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, must be restored,” he stated. Tarigami added that the current situation leaves the Assembly disempowered, with both legislators and the government unclear on their powers. “At a time when expectations are high, the government and legislators are seen as not doing what they are expected to,” he noted.
Ever since the government was formed, the absence of clearly defined business rules continues to create tensions between the Raj Bhavan and Omar government. Even as the Omar Abdullah government heads many crucial departments in the present setup, most of them are also headed by IAS officers, which are controlled by Raj Bhavan.
A recent dispute arose over the 2025 holiday calendar for J&K administration, which excluded December 5 (the birth anniversary of NC founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah) and July 13 (Martyrs’ Day in the Valley).
Prof Noor Baba, based in Srinagar, observed that despite the long-awaited elections, the ruling government has failed to make significant progress in the two months since its formation. “The reason is mainly the UT setup and the ambiguity in the existing power system,” he said, warning that this ambiguity could lead to frustration among the people if their issues are not addressed. “People voted in large numbers thinking their issues would be resolved,” he added.
A South Kashmir MLA said everyone is hoping statehood would be restored sooner. “It is something the Union Government should immediately do. J&K is a sensitive state and two power centres are not going to benefit anyone,” he said. As the new government grapples with these issues, calls for statehood restoration and the end of dual control continue to grow.
