SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has convened a meeting of National Conference (NC) legislators on June 3, sparking widespread political speculation in the region. This comes after his statement last month that he wanted to 'burst' after Eid, leaving many guessing about his intentions.
CM's Cryptic Remarks
Omar Abdullah took to social media to address the speculation, stating, 'I love how the people who know the least about the meeting I’ve called with my MLAs are talking the most. Remember one thing - those who know don’t speak & those who speak sit in the opposition.' On May 6, he had hinted at a strong political move, saying, 'trust me, I want to burst like a cloudburst,' and promised to speak openly after Eid.
Key Issues on Agenda
A NC legislator confirmed receiving an invitation for the meeting, describing it as significant. The party lawmakers are expected to hold detailed discussions on governance challenges arising from Jammu and Kashmir's Union Territory status. 'The MLAs have serious concerns. Many developmental and administrative works are stuck as the bureaucracy remains largely beyond the control of the elected government,' the legislator said. 'These issues will be discussed in detail and there will be consensus and the government will be asked to pursue the restoration of statehood more forcefully with the Centre.'
Party sources indicate the meeting will also address the long-pending appointment of the advocate general of J&K and the contentious reservation policy. The post of advocate general has been vacant since Omar Abdullah took oath in October 2024. The then AG D.C. Raina resigned after the elected government assumed office. Raina was initially appointed by J&K’s first Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu, on Nov 1, 2019. Although Omar wanted him to continue, differences emerged with the LG administration, leaving the key legal office run by an additional advocate general.
Reservation Policy
The reservation policy is expected to be a major topic. The issue became politically sensitive after the Centre's recent decisions to expand reservations and include additional communities. The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Rules, originally framed in 2004, were amended in 2024 to grant the Pahari-speaking population a 10 percent quota under the Scheduled Tribe category. The LG administration implemented these changes the same year, adding over 15 new castes to the reservation list, pushing total reservation to 70 percent. Following protests by general category students, the J&K government formed a cabinet sub-committee to examine the policy. The report has been forwarded to the LG, but no response has been received.
Cabinet Expansion and Political Dynamics
The meeting will also discuss a possible expansion of the council of ministers. The Omar Abdullah-led government currently has six ministers including the chief minister. He can add three more but has refrained due to internal opposition. The meeting gains significance as the Congress party at the J&K level is threatening to withdraw support to the government.
In the 90-member J&K Assembly, the NC holds 42 seats, BJP 30, Congress six, PDP four, independents seven, CPI(M) one, JKPC one, and AAP one. The NC and Congress contested the 2024 Assembly elections as a pre-poll alliance. With the support of five independents, the NC-led alliance has 53 members.
Speculation Dismissed
A NC legislator dismissed rumors about Omar’s possible resignation, saying there was 'no question' of such a move, and accused the BJP of spreading speculation to discredit the government. However, BJP legislator and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma claimed, 'The NC is about to implode and it is possible June 3 will be their last meeting.'
