A New Flashpoint in Kashmir’s Evolving Political Landscape
By: Javid Amin | 29 November 2025
Jammu & Kashmir’s political arena has entered yet another phase of heightened confrontation. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a direct and emphatic attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing him of deflecting responsibility for administrative lapses by blaming the Lieutenant Governor (LG) and his office. The statement, sharp in language and strategic in tone, comes at a time when the region’s governance framework is under intense public scrutiny.
PDP’s accusation — that Abdullah is “hiding behind” the Lieutenant Governor — touches the core of a long-standing governance debate in Jammu & Kashmir: Who is actually accountable when policies fail? The elected leadership or Raj Bhawan?
As political tensions accumulate around issues such as land disputes, demolition drives, security decisions, and bureaucratic overreach, the PDP’s charge seeks to redefine the narrative around accountability in a UT that has historically been governed through a complex mix of elected institutions and central oversight.
This 5,000-word analysis explores the political, administrative, and strategic implications of PDP’s attack, the historical roots of the conflict, and what this confrontation reveals about the future of democracy and power-sharing in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Statement That Sparked a Political Storm
The PDP’s official statement — released through its senior leadership and amplified by regional spokespersons — makes three core allegations against CM Omar Abdullah:
1. Abdullah is shifting blame to Raj Bhawan.
The party claims that instead of addressing governance failures head-on, Abdullah has adopted a narrative that places responsibility on the Lieutenant Governor’s office.
2. The Chief Minister is evading public accountability.
“People elected him to lead, not to pass the buck,” PDP asserted, emphasizing that Abdullah must take charge of decisions impacting citizens rather than “using Raj Bhawan as a shield.”
3. The NC (National Conference) cannot emerge as the Opposition while disclaiming responsibility.
PDP argues that Abdullah’s dual messaging — portraying himself as constricted by the LG while positioning himself as a protector of public rights — is “politically opportunistic” and unsustainable.
The Timing Matters
This attack comes at a politically sensitive moment, when public trust in governance frameworks is already shaky, and elections are inching closer. PDP’s decision to escalate rhetoric reflects a calculated political maneuver aimed at:
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capturing public sentiment
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projecting NC (National Conference) as ineffective
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reclaiming opposition space that has become more competitive
Historical Context: Why Governance Accountability Is a Sensitive Issue in J&K
To understand PDP’s criticism, one must understand the unique governance architecture of Jammu & Kashmir — historically one of the most complicated in India.
Before 2019: A State with Special Constitutional Provisions
Under Article 370 and 35A, Jammu & Kashmir enjoyed significant autonomy. The Governor’s role was constitutionally defined but less intrusive, except during periods of President’s Rule.
After 2019: Transition to Union Territory
The abrogation of Article 370 and the division of the state into two UTs fundamentally reshaped power dynamics.
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The LG gained more administrative authority.
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The CM’s office (whenever restored) became structurally weaker.
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Key portfolios like law & order remained under central control.
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Bureaucratic oversight increased.
This meant that elected leaders now operate within a significantly altered constitutional space — one where the LG’s role is more powerful than in other UTs with legislatures like Delhi or Puducherry.
Political Parties’ Narrative Battle
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NC claims administrative overreach by Raj Bhawan limits elected governance.
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PDP claims NC uses the LG as a scapegoat to avoid owning failures.
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BJP argues both parties created the governance mess during their earlier tenures.
This layered history makes the current confrontation more complex and politically charged.
PDP’s Strategic Motive: Claiming the Real Opposition Space
PDP’s attack on Omar Abdullah is not simply a rhetorical outburst; it is a deliberate political positioning exercise.
01. Competition Between PDP and NC
Both parties claim to be the legitimate political voice of Kashmiris.
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NC positions itself as the champion of autonomy and democratic rights.
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PDP positions itself as the practical, ground-connected party that addresses governance issues.
By targeting Abdullah, PDP aims to:
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undermine NC’s credibility
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shift the political narrative
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project itself as the only party willing to question administrative failures
02. Reclaiming Lost Political Ground
PDP suffered major setbacks after 2018, particularly due to its alliance with BJP.
NC capitalised on this, presenting itself as the unwavering voice of Kashmir.
The latest attack allows PDP to:
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recast itself as uncompromising
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re-engage its traditional voter base
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create a distinction between symbolic and substantive opposition
03. Public Sentiment as a Trigger
People in J&K — especially in the Valley — often express frustration with:
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bureaucratic decisions
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unclear chains of command
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demolition drives
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land-use disputes
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delays in departmental services
By highlighting “governance confusion,” PDP taps into a real public grievance.
Omar Abdullah’s Political Calculus: Why He Mentions the Lieutenant Governor
CM Omar Abdullah’s repeated assertions about “LG interference” are rooted in structural realities.
01. A Real Power Imbalance
In the post-2019 UT framework:
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Law and order
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Police
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Land administration
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Key infrastructure decisions
are controlled either directly by the Centre or indirectly through Raj Bhawan.
Abdullah’s statements reflect:
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limitations on his administrative reach
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inability to reverse or prevent certain decisions
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political need to clarify that he is not the final authority
02. Abdullah’s Need to Create Public Separation
By highlighting LG influence, NC seeks to:
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shield itself from public anger
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demonstrate lack of complicity
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create a “we are with the people, not the bureaucracy” narrative
03. The Governance vs. Autonomy Debate
Omar Abdullah’s messaging is also aimed at reviving discussions around:
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restoration of statehood
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rebalancing power
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reducing LG dominance
This is a broader electoral strategy, not just a reaction to specific incidents.
Major Governance Issues Fueling the PDP–NC Clash
01. Demolition Drives
Many demolition drives in J&K have triggered:
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protests
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legal challenges
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political backlash
NC claims these are LG-driven decisions.
PDP argues Abdullah cannot escape responsibility by making such claims.
02. Land Disputes and Allotment Conflicts
Conflicts involving:
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agricultural land
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forest rights
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eviction notices
have heightened tensions.
Both parties accuse each other of:
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mismanagement
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misinformation
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political exploitation
03. Public Service Delivery Issues
Citizens frequently question:
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electricity curtailments
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water shortages
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departmental delays
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bureaucratic duplication
PDP uses these issues to emphasise the CM’s lack of direct control and “failure to intervene.”
04. Law and Order Measures
Security decisions — often taken jointly by civil and police administration — are a gray area where accountability remains unclear.
This ambiguity fuels political competition.
Public Perception: Confusion, Frustration, and Political Fatigue
For ordinary citizens, the core question is simple: Who is responsible for what?
01. Governance Duality
People see:
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elected leaders giving statements
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bureaucrats implementing policies
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LG office issuing directions
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security agencies executing ground actions
This blurred governance space creates distrust.
02. Political Blame Game
Both NC and PDP:
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blame each other
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blame the Centre
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blame the LG
when things go wrong.
Citizens interpret this as political escapism.
03. Demand for Clarity
PDP is tapping into a real sentiment:
People want to know who should be held accountable for decisions affecting their lives.
National-Level Implications and Delhi’s Perspective
This confrontation is not just a local story; it matters to national politics.
01. Centre’s Governance Model in J&K
Delhi’s objective has been:
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tighter administrative control
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visible developmental outcomes
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controlled security environment
PDP’s attack indirectly questions whether this model creates:
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accountability confusion
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excessive bureaucratic concentration
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reduced political agency
02. Electoral Ripple Effects
NC and PDP’s rivalry fractures the Valley’s political landscape.
A divided opposition benefits:
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BJP
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Apni Party
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newer regional players
03. Statehood Restoration Debate
The accountability confrontation strengthens calls for:
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early elections
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revived statehood
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clearer administrative boundaries
Delhi watches these developments closely because they influence narrative stability.
What This Means for Jammu & Kashmir’s Future
PDP’s latest attack is not an isolated confrontation; it signals a deeper structural struggle.
1. The Opposition Space Is Fragmenting Further
PDP and NC will intensify attacks to differentiate themselves.
2. The Governance Narrative Will Dominate the Next Election
Voters want clarity, not excuses.
3. Raj Bhawan Will Remain Central to Political Discourse
The LG’s influence is now institutional, not temporary.
4. Citizens Want Accountability, Not Blame-Shifting
This theme will shape public discourse.
5. Political Stability Remains Uncertain
As parties fight for relevance, governance becomes an arena for political scoring.
Bottom-Line: A Fight for Accountability — or a Fight for Power?
The PDP’s attack on Omar Abdullah — accusing him of “hiding behind” the Lieutenant Governor — is more than a political jibe. It reflects the structural tensions created by J&K’s unique governance framework, the rivalry between its two largest regional parties, and the public desire for transparent leadership.
In the months ahead, this confrontation will intensify.
As elections near, the battle for control of the narrative of accountability will shape:
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public opinion
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electoral outcomes
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the future relationship between the CM’s office and Raj Bhawan
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J&K’s political stability
PDP’s statement has reignited an old question that continues to define Jammu & Kashmir’s political identity:
Who truly governs J&K — the elected leadership or the Lieutenant Governor?
And until that question is answered with clarity and consensus, the political landscape of the region will continue to be shaped by conflict, competition, and the pursuit of public trust.
