The Jammu and Kashmir cabinet recommended convening the Legislative Assembly starting October 13, 2023. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presided over the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, attended by all ministers, where the proposal was formally made.
Sources close to the cabinet confirmed that the upcoming session will likely be brief, spanning only seven days, concluding on October 20. The cabinet’s decision aligns with the guidelines set forth in the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which stipulates that there should not be a gap longer than six months between Assembly sessions.
The Act explicitly states, “the Lieutenant Governor shall, from time to time, summon the Legislative Assembly to meet at such time and place as he thinks fit, but six months shall not intervene between its last sitting in one session and the date appointed for its first sitting in the next session.” This guideline is crucial for maintaining legislative continuity.
Since the last sitting occurred on April 29, 2023, the current timeline necessitates the assembly’s meeting before October 28 to comply with the legal framework. Effectively, the cabinet’s recommendation ensures adherence to these stipulations.
During the seven-day Assembly session, critical issues including statehood and reservation are anticipated to dominate discussions. The last Assembly session concluded with three resolutions regarding statehood lapsing, primarily due to disruptions orchestrated by the National Conference amidst heated debates concerning the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
PC President and MLA from Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone, expressed significant disappointment over unresolved reservation issues in previous discussions, criticizing the government for inadequate responses. The upcoming session is expected to revive these critical conversations, with parties urging the government to address long-standing demands.
Observing the Assembly’s dynamics yields insight into the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, as legislators once again prepare to contest vital social and political topics. The outcomes of these discussions may herald significant implications for the region’s governance and future.
