Not afraid of discussions, we don't shy away from difficult questions: CM in Assembly

Posted by admin_kas on 2025-03-20 22:16:11 |

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KS News Desk 

Srinagar March 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that his government was not afraid of discussions and they do not shy away from difficult questions.

Responding to discussions on the Demands for Grants, the Chief Minister said that some "honorable" members felt that he was too pessimistic in my previous speeches.

"So today, I decided to start differently. We are not afraid of discussions and we do not shy away from difficult questions. We answer them openly, no matter how tough these are," he said in the House.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah began his speech with a Kashmiri proverb: “Vandi txalli, sheen gallie, bai yee bahaar” (Winter will pass, the snow will melt, and spring will come again).

Chief Minister acknowledged concerns raised by members and emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Addressing remarks made by an opposition member comparing his political strategies to cricket, the Chief Minister said a smart player adapts to the game.

"I was bowling pace when conditions favored it; now, I am bowling spin. But I have not changed the game—I remain committed to my responsibilities," he said.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly  passed grants amounting to ₹59,431.23 lakh for the General Administration Department (GAD), ₹56,009.69 lakh for Planning, ₹14,183.38 lakh for Information, ₹12,47,727.65 lakh for the Power Development Department (PDD), ₹62,70,347.94 lakh for Finance, ₹7,083.77 lakh for Parliamentary Affairs, ₹76,284.53 lakh for the Law Department (excluding the Election Department), ₹81,073.94 lakh for Revenue, ₹4,06,130.30 lakh for Housing & Urban Development (H&UDD), ₹61,280.18 lakh for Tourism, ₹46,683.86 lakh for Hospitality, Protocol & Estates, ₹20,459.31 lakh for Culture, and ₹1,96,369.04 lakh for Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRRR). The grants were passed following three days of extensive discussions in the House.

In his address, Chief Minister addressed concerns regarding legal changes in Jammu and Kashmir. “Five years ago, we spoke of equality. Today, we are still demanding it. Ask yourself—are we truly equal to other states? The reality speaks for itself," he said.

He refuted allegations that his government had disrespected the legacy of Maharaja Hari Singh.

“The laws governing state subjects were not altered by us but by others. Before 2019, you practiced under the Ranbir Penal Code, named after Maharaja Ranbir Singh. Today, you follow a different law. Who, then, changed history?”

The Chief Minister highlighted economic disparities and employment challenges, particularly for local youth. “If four people from Haryana can work here, then ensure the same opportunities exist for our people in Haryana, Himachal and beyond. "Setting up industries in Himachal is difficult due to strict local policies. In contrast, we have no such restrictions," he said.

Speaking on urban infrastructure, the Chief Minister acknowledged shortcomings in Smart City projects.

“We built footpaths, yet people still walk on roads. We created cycle tracks, but motorcycles now occupy them. We constructed multi-level parking facilities, yet vehicles remain parked on the streets. Infrastructure alone is not enough; we need a collective shift in mindset," he said.

Addressing concerns about lost properties after the reorganization of J&K and Ladakh, he said the properties that are gone cannot be reclaimed, but we must make the best use of those that remain.

He highlighted ongoing efforts to convert the structure in Sector 17, Chandigarh, into a state guest house, which will cost approximately ₹13 crores and cater to patients, students, and public representatives.