Legislators must rise above political scoring, focus on resolving people’s issues
The newly elected Jammu and Kashmir Assembly reconvened this week after a six-year gap, bringing fresh hope for a new era of legislative discussions in the region. However, the first session was marked by a significant ruckus when PDP lawmaker Wahid Parra tabled a sudden resolution calling for the restoration of Article 370. This motion, urging a reversal of the 2019 decision that stripped J&K of its special status, sparked immediate opposition from BJP legislators, who called for Parra’s suspension. The uproar disrupted proceedings, and Speaker Rahim Rather had to clarify that the motion had not yet been formally admitted for debate.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah asserted that the debate around Article 370 reflects the prevailing sentiment in J&K, yet noting the PDP MLA’s move was likely more symbolic than strategic. While Abdullah did express support for the issue of statehood—a promise he believes the BJP at the Centre should honour—he cautioned against expecting the BJP-led central government to revisit the decision on Article 370.
The Assembly’s disorder over Article 370 highlights the deep-seated political divisions that still exist within Jammu and Kashmir. In a state that has faced challenges ranging from political unrest to economic and social instability, the public is looking for leaders who will prioritize their immediate needs over political point-scoring. It is crucial for the assembly to engage in discussions that resonate with the lives of ordinary citizens. The focus should pivot from outdated ideological debates to the real and pressing issues affecting the populace—namely unemployment, electricity and development. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve solutions to the challenges they face daily and deserve representatives who prioritize their needs above political theatrics.
The Assembly should be a platform for serious dialogue aimed at genuine problem-solving. The people are tired of witnessing their representatives score political points instead of dealing with pressing matters. Now is the time to pave the way for constructive conversations that can bring about tangible changes. Residents of J&K have not only endured political upheaval but have also continued to grapple with socioeconomic challenges. They expect their elected officials to focus on job creation, agricultural support and safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
It is imperative for lawmakers to reflect the seriousness of their environment. The Legislative Assembly, after all, is more than a battleground for political agendas; it is a place where solutions can emerge for the betterment of the community. Let us hope that the representatives of Jammu and Kashmir utilise this revived legislative platform to address these vital issues with the seriousness they warrant, ensuring that the Assembly serves not as a stage for grandstanding, but as a space for meaningful engagement geared towards progress.
