In a politically charged address that left the opposition benches scrambling for answers, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah effectively used his concluding remarks in the Legislative Assembly to deliver a scathing rebuttal to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) claims about the benefits accrued from the abrogation of Article 370.
In what can only be described as calculated and strategic political innings, Omar Abdullah mirrored Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma’s signature approach—using the mandatory powerplay to relentlessly attack the BJP’s narrative when the field was open and vulnerable. Parliamentary convention ensured that as Leader of the House, Abdullah had the final say after the Leader of the Opposition had spoken—leaving no room for the BJP to offer an immediate counterattack. Abdullah fully exploited this parliamentary ‘powerplay’, systematically tearing apart the BJP’s arguments point by point.
The Big Question: What Concrete Gains Post-370?
Omar Abdullah’s primary challenge to the BJP was simple yet powerful—list one tangible developmental project that was directly blocked by Article 370, and could only proceed after its abrogation.
“For years, you claimed that Article 370 was the biggest hurdle to development in Jammu and Kashmir. It has been nearly five years since you scrapped it. Can you show us even one project—whether it is a school, a hospital, an industry, or a highway—that could not be built earlier, but miraculously took off only after Article 370 was removed?” Abdullah asked, turning the BJP’s development narrative into an open challenge.
Despite the BJP’s relentless rhetoric equating Article 370 with backwardness and isolation, Abdullah pointed out that many flagship developmental projects, from railway expansion to power projects and universities, were conceptualized and implemented long before 2019, under the very framework of Article 370.
Political Reservations for STs – A Reality Check
Abdullah also dissected the BJP’s celebratory claims that abrogating Article 370 paved the way for political reservations for Scheduled Tribes (STs), particularly the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities.
“Political reservation is your trump card. Fine. Let’s examine it. How many Gujjar MLAs sat in the previous Assembly under Article 370, and how many sit here today under your so-called new dawn?” Abdullah asked, exposing the hollowness of BJP’s empowerment claims.
Abdullah’s argument was clear—mere tokenism through constitutional changes means little if political participation on the ground does not improve.
Terrorism: Contradictions Galore
Abdullah didn’t stop at development. He took the BJP to task over its conflicting narratives on terrorism.
“Every time there’s an attack, you point fingers at Pakistan. But when it comes to justifying Article 370’s removal, you say that Article 370 fueled terrorism. If that is true, why has terrorism spread into areas of Jammu region that were peaceful under Article 370?” he asked.
He highlighted the recent terror attack on pilgrims in Reasi, warning that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has deteriorated rather than improved since 2019. This, he argued, demolishes the BJP’s claim that Article 370 was the root cause of militancy.
Post-370 Corruption and Mining Mafia Surge
Abdullah also shone a spotlight on the rampant corruption that has plagued J&K’s developmental schemes post-2019.
“Take the Jal Jeevan Mission—meant to provide drinking water to every household. It has become a byword for corruption under your rule,” he said, adding that the unchecked rise of the mining mafia has further impoverished locals, who see their natural resources being plundered while they themselves are sidelined.
Maharaja Hari Singh – Reclaiming the Legacy
Pre-empting the BJP’s oft-repeated claim that the National Conference disrespected Maharaja Hari Singh, Abdullah firmly rejected this allegation.
“We never renamed any public institution, school, road, or hospital dedicated to the Dogra Maharaja. In fact, we respect his legacy because he was the one who laid the foundation of modern Jammu and Kashmir,” Abdullah said.
This assertion was meant not just to counter BJP’s historical revisionism, but also to rebuild bridges with Dogra pride, a sentiment the BJP has sought to monopolize.
PoJK – BJP’s Hollow Posturing
Abdullah went a step further by calling out BJP’s posturing on Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
“If you are so serious about reclaiming PoJK, why didn’t you act when you had the perfect opportunity during the Kargil war?” he asked.
This was a clear attempt to turn the BJP’s nationalist rhetoric against itself, exposing what Abdullah called ‘selective nationalism’, where slogans substitute for serious policy.
Bifurcation and Job Reservations – A Betrayal of Locals
Abdullah also attacked the decision to downgrade J&K into two Union Territories, pointing out that even Buddhist-majority Ladakh, expected to benefit the most, has been demanding statehood ever since.
Drawing a comparison with Himachal Pradesh, Abdullah asked why J&K’s youth were being denied job reservations that are commonplace in neighboring states.
“In Himachal Pradesh, 70% of government jobs are reserved for locals. Why can’t our youth have the same protection?” he asked, portraying BJP’s policies as a deliberate economic betrayal of J&K’s youth.
Article 370 Restoration – An Unyielding Stand
Abdullah reaffirmed the National Conference’s unwavering commitment to restoring Article 370, dismissing the BJP’s assertion that the Article is a closed chapter.
“You can repeat that Article 370 is gone forever, but we believe its restoration is a matter of time. Through peaceful, constitutional, and democratic means, we will fight for its return—because this is about our identity, our dignity, and our rights,” Abdullah declared, making it clear that the fight is far from over.
Statehood – A Shared Cause or Forgotten Promise?
Abdullah also expressed frustration that the demand for statehood restoration hasn’t received unified backing from all political parties.
“We have framed new business rules to ensure the Assembly functions smoothly even in its current limited capacity, and these have been sent to the Lieutenant Governor for approval. But let’s not forget—our ultimate goal must be full statehood,” Abdullah said.
Conclusion – The Fight for J&K’s Dignity Continues
In a rousing conclusion, Abdullah assured the people that the National Conference would continue to champion their rights, no matter how long the struggle.
“This fight is not just about a constitutional article. It is about who we are as a people. Our political identity, our economic future, our cultural dignity—everything is at stake. No matter how many obstacles you throw our way, we will stand firm,” Abdullah vowed, signaling that the political battle over Article 370 is far from over.
