Omar Abdullah convenes NC-led coalition meeting ahead of Assembly session

SRINAGAR — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, as chairman of the National Conference (NC) legislature party, has called a meeting of legislators from the NC-led government alliance this evening at 7:30 pm.

The meeting will include representatives from coalition partners, such as Congress, CPI(M), AAP and independent MLAs, to coordinate their strategy for the upcoming J&K Assembly session, which begins on November 4.

The agenda includes discussions on key issues, the election of the Assembly speaker and strategies for addressing opposition challenges, an unnamed senior leader was quoted as saying by the news agency KNS.

A central topic of interest is the potential tabling of a statehood bill in the Assembly—a pressing demand from vocal leaders such as Sajjad Gani Lone, who has consistently advocated for an open discussion on statehood within the Assembly rather than limiting it to the cabinet. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and some Congress members have also called for a legislative debate on restoring statehood, expressing discontent with any attempt to bypass the Assembly.

This Assembly session is particularly significant, marking the first since Jammu & Kashmir was reclassified from a State to a Union Territory. Expectations are high for heated debates on statehood, an issue gaining traction among opposition figures and the public alike.

For the NC-led coalition, this session represents both a challenge and an opportunity to solidify its legislative influence. The BJP, holding 28 seats, is expected to mount a strong opposition, particularly around the question of statehood, potentially creating hurdles for the coalition government.

This historic session is anticipated to be closely monitored nationwide as it may signal the political direction of J&K’s leadership post-reorganization. The outcomes could shape how the region’s leaders negotiate with the Central government and address the aspirations of those advocating for a return to statehood.