The Jammu and Kashmir cabinet recommended convening the Assembly for its autumn session from October 13 to 20. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led the cabinet meeting that took place on Wednesday.
All ministers attended to discuss significant legislative matters. During the deliberations, the cabinet unanimously decided to suggest to the Lieutenant Governor (LG) that the Assembly be summoned on October 13.
Sources disclosed that the upcoming session is expected to be concise, lasting approximately seven days. This aligns with the necessity outlined in the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, mandating no gap longer than six months between Assembly sessions.
The law explicitly states, “The Lieutenant Governor shall, from time to time, summon the Legislative Assembly to meet at such time and place as he thinks fit, but six months shall not intervene between its last sitting in one session and the date appointed for its first sitting in the next session.” This stipulation underlines the Assembly’s obligation to maintain legislative continuity.
Since the last Assembly sitting was on April 29, the next session must occur by October 28 to adhere to these provisions.
The forthcoming Assembly session will be crucial, focusing on pressing issues such as statehood and reservation policies. The debates expected in the House will center around these contentious topics.
In the previous session, disruptions caused by the National Conference led to the lapse of three resolutions concerning statehood. Legislators faced challenges after the rejection of an adjournment motion associated with the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Furthermore, the matter of reservation emerged prominently within discussions in the House, with prominent voices, including PC President and Handwara MLA Sajad Gani Lone, expressing strong criticisms against the government’s handling of these issues.
The cabinet’s recommendation marks a significant step towards addressing legislative needs in Jammu and Kashmir, with citizens keenly awaiting the Assembly’s deliberations.
