‘Realistic, Not Negative’: Omar Abdullah Justifies J&K Budget 2025
Jammu, March 11, 2025: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday saw intense disruptions over police action against protesting daily-wage workers.
The uproar began after BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa raised concerns over Monday’s police crackdown on daily-wagers in Jammu. In response, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed regret over the incident, stating that their grievances would be addressed during the discussion on grants for departments under his charge.
“I do not control the police, nor do you,” Abdullah remarked. “Instead of making noise here, take up the issue with those who actually have authority over the force, just a few kilometres away.”
Acknowledging the hardships faced by daily-wagers, he said their demands were not just financial but humanitarian. “They should not have been subjected to force. I trust that the police have taken note of the concern,” he added.
While BJP members pushed for the regularisation of daily-wage workers, National Conference (NC) legislators countered by accusing them of neglecting the issue during the past decade. The exchange escalated, with NC members chanting “Shame, shame,” and BJP MLAs responding with slogans demanding regularisation. The BJP eventually walked out, alleging that the NC had failed the daily-wagers.
Omar Abdullah Defends J&K Budget, Calls It ‘realistic’
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah defended the Jammu and Kashmir Budget 2025 in the Assembly, asserting that it was a practical representation of the region’s financial situation, rather than a pessimistic outlook.
His remarks came in response to PDP leader Waheed Para, who had earlier dismissed the budget as lacking vision.
Clarifying his stance, Abdullah said, “There was criticism that my approach to presenting the budget was pessimistic. I disagree. Acknowledging challenges does not mean being negative—it means being realistic. I recognise our difficulties, but my commitment remains to address them.”
Discussing the financial strains facing the Union Territory, he stated, “Yes, we have more demands than resources. It is a reality. I cannot promise the return of all power projects, free electricity for everyone, or uninterrupted 24-hour supply. Even our welfare schemes fall short of expectations, and lawmakers’ salaries are not as high as they should be. The reason is simple—we lack the necessary funds.”
Despite these constraints, Abdullah assured the House that his government was striving to maximise available resources. “We are utilising what we have to the fullest. That is not pessimism—it is realism,” he concluded.
To address the matter of daily wagers, Omar Abdullah announced the formation of a sub-committee that will thoroughly examine the issues concerning daily-wagers. He assured the House that the committee would submit its report within six months, providing concrete recommendations for resolving the long-pending demands of these workers.
