On November 4, 2024, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly convened for the first time in six years following the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in August 2019. Expectations were high among the people of J&K, who hoped this session would address pressing issues such as hefty electricity bills, unemployment, governance deficit and educational reforms. However, what unfolded on the Assembly’s inaugural day was a spectacle of chaos, discord and political theatrics.
The first day began with heightened tensions as PDP legislator Waheed Rehman Parra unilaterally introduced a resolution calling for the restoration of Article 370 without prior consultation with the government, the Speaker, or other Assembly members. This move, widely regarded as a political stunt aimed at garnering media attention, sparked uproar among legislators. The session devolved into pandemonium as sloganeering, heckling and even physical altercations ensued, forcing marshals to intervene and remove unruly members from the chamber.
Two days later, on November 6, Deputy Chief Minister and National Conference legislator Surendra Kumar Choudhary introduced another contentious resolution. This resolution emphasized the constitutional safeguards previously afforded to J&K under its special status and expressed concern over their removal. The resolution, which was intended to resonate with sentiments tied to J&K’s identity and rights, was met with vehement opposition from BJP legislators who rejected any discussion related to Article 370. The Assembly witnessed more chaos, with members jumping onto tables, storming the well and engaging in confrontational exchanges, further undermining the session’s purpose.
Deep Politicization of Assembly Proceedings
The public’s anticipation of meaningful discussions on grassroots issues was swiftly dashed. Instead of focusing on governance and development, legislators seemed more intent on leveraging the Assembly as a platform for political posturing. The NC’s resolution for special status restoration lacked pragmatic foresight. Talking to Kashmir Central, Professor Gull Mohammad Wani, a political commentator said, “This resolution has no constitutional or legal grounds to compel the Government of India to reverse its decision. It is a political tactic to keep the issue alive in public discourse.”
While the resolution is aimed to reaffirm the significance of J&K’s special status, its timing and execution underscored the deep polarization among political parties. Rather than building consensus or addressing the immediate needs of the populace, the Assembly devolved into a battleground for scoring political points.
Article 370: Legacy, Politics and Public Perception
The abrogation of Article 370 remains a deeply divisive issue. For decades, it served as a cornerstone of regional politics, with parties like the PDP and National Conference pledging its preservation while BJP pursued its abrogation as a key agenda. In 2019, the BJP succeeded in nullifying the article, citing its impediments to development and integration.
Since then, the region has witnessed notable developmental strides, including infrastructure projects such as new highways, bridges, transparency and accountability, sports infrastructural development and economic avenues. However, the debate over Article 370 continues to dominate political narratives. Critics argue that its abrogation weakened J&K’s autonomy and identity while supporters highlight tangible progress in governance and public services.
The re-emergence of Article 370 in Assembly discussions, therefore, appears as a calculated move by political parties to capitalize on emotional and symbolic aspects of the issue. However, the resolutions lack enforceability and serve more as rhetorical gestures than actionable policies.
Development Versus Political Gimmicks
In the past five years, J&K has undergone significant infrastructural and socio-economic changes. Improved roads, expanded connectivity, and new opportunities have marked a positive trajectory. Despite this, unresolved issues such as electricity shortages, unemployment, and educational and health reforms remain pressing concerns for the common people.
Unfortunately, these issues were overshadowed in the Assembly by political grandstanding. Both ruling and opposition parties seemed more focused on consolidating their voter bases than addressing the grievances of the people. While commenting on the Motion of thanks to the Lieutenant Governor’s address, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah himself expressed disappointment on the theatrics played in Assembly and stated, “I was not expecting the Assembly to start this way.”
The disconnect between political priorities and public expectations has created frustration among the electorate. Voters are increasingly demanding transparency, accountability and tangible outcomes over rhetorical debates. The era of political gimmicks appears to be losing its appeal as citizens grow more discerning and critical of their representatives.
The Path Ahead
The events of the Assembly’s opening session underscore the challenges of transitioning from political theatrics to constructive governance. While the restoration of Article 370 remains an issue for many, the real test for legislators lies in addressing the immediate and practical needs of the people.
The J&K Assembly must serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue and problem-solving rather than a stage for performative politics. Issues facing by the people of Jammu and Kashmir require urgent attention and collaborative efforts across party lines. The government, too, must ensure that the aspirations of the people are met with action and not drowned out by partisan squabbles.
The chaos witnessed during the Assembly’s first session highlights the pressing need for a shift in political culture in J&K. The people of the region, having endured years of uncertainty and upheaval, deserve a legislature that prioritizes their welfare over political maneuvering. Whether the Assembly can rise to this challenge remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the electorate will no longer settle for anything less than accountability, transparency and tangible progress.