Omar Abdullah’s Job Promise Under Fire: Allegations of Nepotism and a Growing Youth Backlash in Jammu & Kashmir
By: Javid Amin | 01 January 2025
As unemployment continues to dominate public discourse in Jammu & Kashmir, a sharp political confrontation has erupted over a long-standing promise that once inspired hope among thousands of young people. Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma has accused the National Conference (NC) and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of failing to honour a pledge to create one lakh jobs, alleging that instead of opportunity, the government delivered nepotism and favoritism.
The accusation has reignited debate around governance, accountability, and youth disillusionment, turning employment into a central political battleground as parties reposition themselves ahead of future electoral contests.
The Promise That Raised Expectations
During his tenure as Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah had publicly committed to creating one lakh employment opportunities in Jammu & Kashmir — a promise that resonated deeply in a region grappling with limited industrial growth, political instability, and a swelling pool of educated but unemployed youth.
At the time, the pledge was presented as:
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A response to rising graduate unemployment
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A roadmap for economic revival
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A commitment to restoring faith in democratic governance
For many young Kashmiris and residents of Jammu, the promise symbolised more than jobs — it represented hope, stability, and dignity.
The Allegation: “Jobs Replaced by Nepotism”
In January 2026, LoP Sunil Sharma launched a scathing critique of the NC’s record, alleging that the promised jobs never materialised in a fair or transparent manner.
According to Sharma:
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The NC government failed to meet its numerical job commitments
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Recruitment processes were allegedly skewed in favour of relatives, political loyalists, and insiders
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Deserving candidates were left out, deepening resentment
He described the employment promise as a “cruel deception”, accusing the NC of exploiting youth aspirations for political gain.
It is important to note that these claims represent political allegations, not judicial findings, and the NC has historically rejected accusations of institutionalised favoritism.
Youth at the Centre of the Storm
The political clash has found immediate resonance among unemployed and underemployed youth, many of whom have spent years preparing for competitive exams, contractual jobs, and government recruitment drives.
Ground Reality
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Thousands of graduates remain without stable employment
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Recruitment cycles are often delayed or limited
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Contractual and temporary posts dominate the job market
For young people, the controversy is not abstract politics — it is deeply personal.
Repeated announcements without tangible outcomes have fostered:
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Cynicism toward political promises
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Declining faith in merit-based recruitment
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Growing anger across social and academic circles
Opposition Strategy: Turning Jobs into a Rallying Cry
Employment has emerged as a strategic pressure point for opposition parties in Jammu & Kashmir.
Sunil Sharma’s attack reflects a broader opposition narrative that:
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The NC failed to convert governance into opportunity
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Youth were used as electoral talking points
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Accountability was sacrificed for political convenience
By framing unemployment as a moral failure, opposition leaders are positioning themselves as voices of the frustrated young electorate — a demographic that increasingly determines political outcomes.
Trust Deficit and Democratic Credibility
One of the most serious consequences of unfulfilled job promises is the erosion of trust.
When political commitments remain unmet:
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Citizens begin to question the credibility of governance
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Democratic participation risks becoming transactional or disengaged
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Extremes and populist narratives find fertile ground
In J&K, where political trust has historically been fragile, the stakes are even higher.
National Conference’s Challenge: Explaining the Gap
While the NC has defended its governance record in the past — citing fiscal constraints, security challenges, and administrative limitations — the renewed allegations place the party under fresh pressure.
Key questions facing the NC include:
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How many jobs were actually created during Omar Abdullah’s tenure?
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What mechanisms were used to ensure transparency?
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How does the party respond to perceptions of favoritism, regardless of intent?
Even in the absence of legal findings, perception itself has political consequences.
Employment Crisis in J&K: A Structural Problem
Beyond party politics, the controversy highlights a structural employment crisis in Jammu & Kashmir:
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Limited private sector absorption
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Heavy dependence on government jobs
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Skill-job mismatch among graduates
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Disruptions caused by prolonged political transitions
Experts argue that no single government or party can resolve unemployment through announcements alone, underscoring the need for:
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Sustainable economic planning
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Private sector incentives
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Transparent recruitment systems
Political Fallout: What Lies Ahead
As the jobs debate intensifies:
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Opposition parties are likely to amplify accountability narratives
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The NC will face sustained scrutiny over past governance
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Youth unemployment will remain a decisive electoral issue
The controversy also signals a shift in political discourse — from identity and status issues to livelihood and governance performance.
Editorial Perspective: When Promises Become Burdens
The clash over Omar Abdullah’s job pledge reflects a broader truth of democratic politics: promises that raise hope can become liabilities if unmet.
For Jammu & Kashmir’s unemployed youth, the debate is not about which party scores political points. It is about:
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Lost time
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Unanswered applications
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Deferred dreams
Regardless of political affiliation, the demand is simple: jobs that are real, fair, and accessible.
Conclusion: Accountability in an Age of Expectations
As Sunil Sharma sharpens his attack and the NC faces renewed scrutiny, one reality stands out:
Employment is no longer just a policy issue — it is a measure of political credibility.
Whether the allegations withstand scrutiny or not, the episode serves as a reminder that youth expectations cannot be managed by rhetoric alone.
In Jammu & Kashmir, where patience is thin and aspirations are high, the cost of unfulfilled promises is no longer abstract — it is shaping the political future.
