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Srinagar: The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has finally emerged from the shadows of the President’s rule after a long period of six years. The National Conference government of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has once again returned to power in the UT.
“The formation of a new government after the prolonged period in Jammu and Kashmir aspires to shape a new era, bringing hopes and renewal aspirations for stability and prosperity in the region”.
After the elections conducted in the region for the first time after 2014, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a President’s rule after the PDP-BJP alliance collapsed on June 19, 2018. In August, 2019 the revolutionary verdict of the Supreme Court of India over the revocation of Article-370 and Article 35 (A) abrogating the semi-autonomous position of the valley and granted it the status of Union Territory.
Pertinently, an elected government in the Union Territory will have the limited powers and the supreme authority is held by the Central Government. Jammu Kashmir election results while the NC Won 42 Seats, the Congress marked their electoral performance winning just six seats across the J&K. The recently held, Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections for 90 constituencies took place in three phases followed by September 18, September 25, and October 1st. The event became historic, as it was the first ever election held in the UT after the abrogation of Article 370 and 35 (A).
The Election commission of India (ECI), informed that an overall 63.88 percent voter turnout was recorded in the assembly elections in the Union Territory of Kashmir. While, the Poll Panel has also informed that a Voter turnout of 69.69 percent was recorded in the third phase which was held on October 1.
After the results of the Assembly elections, Omar Abdullah’s era began once again after his first tenure, from 2009 to 2014 when the valley was a complete state, and was under an NC-Congress alliance government. He was collectively elected as the Leader of the NC Legislature party, cementing his stage for his second tenure as the Chief Minister. On October 31, 2019, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a significant scenario as it shifted straight to the central governance, disintegrating it into two Union territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Recently, Omar Abdullah, the vice president of the National Conference, stepped in to establish a new government in Jammu and Kashmir. It is important to not to lose the sight of the fact that the President of India, Droupadi Murmu stated that the previous order concerning Jammu and Kashmir from 2019 would be revoked before the new chief minister steps in. After ten years without assembly elections, the National Conference pursued a vibrant victory, winning 42 seats, while their alliances, Congress and the CPI-M, gained six and one seat, respectively.
Furthermore, five independent candidates and an AAP MLA have accepted to assist them which brought the alliance’s total to 55 seats. As mentioned earlier, Omar Abdullah’s Government previously served in this role from 2009 to 2014 as part of a coalition with Congress. Jammu and Kashmir has been without an elected government since June 2018 when the BJP broke its coalition with the Peoples’ Democratic Party, which led to the Mehbooba Mufti’s resignation.
Former Lieutenant Governor Satya Pal Malik then dissolved the Legislative Assembly on November 28, 2018, soon after Mehbooba Mufti sought to form a government with assistance from Congress and the National Conference. Omar Abdullah’s Government aspires to serve the general public thoroughly by upholding their fundamental rights and their thorough involvement in the political spheres.
In a message, Omar Abdullah stated that “Restoration of the J&K’s statehood and economic development will be the uppermost priority of their government”. Their government has also promised that they will tirelessly work towards the Job creation amid the soaring unemployment graph of the UT. Furthermore, their government also aspires to improve security measures ensuring that the citizens get their fundamental rights and their basic rights are respected and working towards the lasting peace, tranquillity, integrity, stability and prosperity of the region.
They are also committed to a transparent governance and thorough accountability, fully ensuring that the needs and concerns of the general population are being taken into the consideration for their expeditious resolution measures. Pertinently, working towards the establishment and strengthening of the democratic institutions in order to improve the civic enhancement in all the affairs.
Ever since the government was dissolved and no elections have been held since 2014, the valley has encountered a series of interrelated issues. The absence of an elected leader and government has left the people in despair. Continuous closures of educational institutions, internet closures, lockdowns all affected the region’s economic stability, development, job opportunities.
Due to insecurity and instability, there has been no growth and development in the terms of economy leading to rise in unemployment, loss of tourism which many families depend upon. In conclusion the return of Omar Abdullah’s government in Jammu and Kashmir brings a renewed sense of hope and resilience for the region. With this commitment there is a strong feeling of determination and purpose that sounds with the people.
By considering the key issues, reinforcement of the economic growth, and enhancing social welfare, prosperity and stability, the new administration aims to tackle the long-standing challenges facing J&K and create a more prosperous and peaceful future. Since, the Valley has been the victim of political instability, being a restive region, the UT faced several upheavals and commotions but now moving forward with a sense of resilience and hope for a brighter future. We hope that Omar Abdullah’s government will uphold the basic rights of the general public and will tirelessly work towards the betterment of the region in all domains.
Writer Sheikh Jamsheed is a Social and Peace Activist from Jammu & Kashmir and can be reached at sheikhjamsheed751@gmail.com
