J&K Budget Session 2026: Chaos in Assembly as CM Omar Prepares for Budget

The second day of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s Budget Session witnessed high drama today as political tensions flared between the ruling National Conference (NC) and the opposition BJP.

From protests demanding the restoration of statehood to shouting matches over a new Law University, the assembly floor was chaotic. This comes just days before Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to arrive in the Union Territory for a high-stakes three-day visit.

Here is a simple breakdown of what is happening in Jammu and Kashmir right now, why lawmakers are protesting, and what to expect later this week.

What Happened in the Assembly Today?

On Tuesday (February 3), the legislative proceedings began on a stormy note. The disruption was caused by two main opposing protests:

Read more: Skill India Budget 2026

1. BJP’s Demand for a Law University

Legislators from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stormed the well of the House. They raised slogans and displayed banners demanding the establishment of a National Law University (NLU) specifically in the Jammu region. They accused the government of ignoring Jammu’s educational needs.

2. NC’s Push for Statehood & Safety

On the other side, MLAs from the ruling National Conference (NC) staged a sit-in protest outside the Assembly Secretariat before the session began. Their demands were focused on two major issues:

• Restoration of Statehood: They criticized the Central Government for delaying the return of full statehood to J&K, a promise that remains unfulfilled.
• Safety of Kashmiris: The MLAs highlighted the recent alleged assault on an 18-year-old Kashmiri student in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. They demanded stricter protection for J&K residents living or studying in other states.

Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather struggled to maintain order as the “Zero Hour” (the time when members raise urgent public issues) was washed out by the noise and slogans.

Background: The LG’s Address & Opposition Anger

The current session officially started yesterday, Monday, February 2, with an address by Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha.

While the LG spoke about the government’s plans for a “comprehensive AI strategy” and tourism development, the speech sparked controversy because of what it didn’t say.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition leaders pointed out that the LG’s speech completely skipped the topic of restoring statehood. Since this speech is technically written by the ruling government (the Omar Abdullah-led cabinet), critics argued that the NC government is “soft-pedaling” the issue.

The Security Context: Terror Ops & Amit Shah’s Visit

While politicians argue inside the assembly, the security situation on the ground remains tense.

Security forces are currently engaged in a massive anti-terror operation in the Kishtwar district. High-tech drones and surveillance helicopters have been deployed to track down terrorists hiding in the snow-bound forests. This follows a series of encounters in the region over the last two weeks.

Amit Shah’s Upcoming Visit

In a major development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to visit Jammu and Kashmir for three days starting February 5 (Thursday).

• Agenda: He will review the security grid, especially in the wake of recent terror incidents in the Jammu region.
• Border Visit: He is expected to visit the International Border in the Hiranagar sector to inspect new anti-infiltration technology.
• Political Impact: His visit is timed perfectly with the ongoing budget session, and political experts believe he may send a strong message regarding the zero-tolerance policy on terror.

Why Is This Session Important?

This is not just another assembly meeting. It is the first Budget Session of the elected government after nearly six years of Central rule.

For years, J&K’s budget was decided by the Parliament in New Delhi. Now, for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370, an elected Chief Minister (Omar Abdullah) will present the budget for his own people. This represents a significant step towards local governance, even though J&K is still a Union Territory and not a full state.

What Happens Next?

The political heat is expected to rise further this week. Here is the schedule:

• February 5 (Thursday): Home Minister Amit Shah arrives in Jammu.
• February 6 (Friday): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Finance portfolio, will present the J&K Budget for 2026-27.
• Ongoing: The search operations in Kishtwar will continue as forces aim to neutralize the hidden terrorists before the snow melts further.

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