The Jammu and Kashmir cabinet has recommended to the Lieutenant Governor that the Legislative Assembly convene for its autumn session starting on October 13. The cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, took place earlier today and included all ministers.
Sources indicate that this upcoming session may be brief, spanning a total of seven days from October 13 to 20. The cabinet’s decision aligns with legal requirements set forth in the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which mandates no gap of more than six months between legislative sessions.
According to the Act, the Lieutenant Governor must summon the Legislative Assembly at times deemed appropriate, ensuring that no more than six months pass between the last sitting of one session and the first sitting of the next. The last assembly sitting occurred on April 29, meaning that the next session must occur by October 28.
One of the key objectives for the upcoming assembly session is to address pressing issues such as statehood and reservation. These topics had emerged prominently in previous discussions, particularly during the last assembly session when three resolutions regarding statehood lapsed due to disruptions attributed to the National Conference. This disruption occurred following the rejection of an adjournment motion by its legislators concerning the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The sentiment regarding statehood continues to gain traction among various political factions in the region. Observers anticipate that the assembly will revisit these critical resolutions, considering the widespread public demand for restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Additionally, the issue of reservation has been a significant concern, with public leaders voicing their frustrations over how the government has handled this sensitive matter. Notably, Sajad Gani Lone, President of the People’s Conference and MLA from Handwara, has previously criticized the governing authorities for failing to uphold fair reservation practices.
This upcoming assembly session not only marks a return to legislative activity after a significant break but also underscores the ongoing dialogue surrounding Jammu and Kashmir’s political future. Stakeholders from various backgrounds express hope that the discussions on statehood and reservation will lead to meaningful outcomes.
As the assembly session approaches, many await the decisions and proceedings that will shape the ongoing political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
