The opposition parties in Kashmir have clearly expressed their goals of restoring Article 370 and implementing an alcohol ban, setting the stage for a contentious budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly that starts on Monday. This marks the first budget presentation by an elected government in J&K in seven years, following the state’s transition to a Union Territory (UT) after the abrogation of Article 370.

Legislators from valley-based political parties have already introduced several bills that are expected to spark significant debate during the session. Meanwhile, the BJP has openly stated its intention to prevent any “unconstitutional and anti-national” matters from being raised in the Assembly.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has preemptively outlined its agenda ahead of the budget session, releasing a monthly newsletter on X that accuses the Omar Abdullah government of capitulating and betraying the public’s mandate. PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti shared this newsletter, titled ‘Speak Up,’ on her social media platforms.

Tensions have already surfaced between Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather and opposition MLAs from the valley, as they have reportedly submitted private members’ bills aimed at banning the sale, consumption, manufacturing, and advertisement of alcohol throughout the UT. Some opposition legislators have been openly discussing these bills in public forums and online, prompting the Speaker to remind them of the potential consequences for promoting bills and notices prior to the budget session.

Rather has urged all MLAs to uphold decorum and refrain from using unparliamentary language during proceedings. A bulletin from the Legislative Assembly Secretariat issued on Friday emphasized the importance of maintaining dignity, decency, and decorum during the Lieutenant Governor’s address to the Assembly at the opening of the budget session on Monday.

Notably, this is the first time in J&K’s history that a Chief Minister will present budget proposals in the Assembly. CM Omar Abdullah, who holds the finance portfolio, is scheduled to present the budget for the financial year 2025-26 on March 7.

The previous session in November was marked by chaotic scenes following a resolution from the ruling National Conference (NC) advocating for the restoration of J&K’s statehood and special status. It is anticipated that opposition members will revive the discussions on Article 370, the seizure of properties belonging to terrorists based in Pakistan, and the dismissal of employees linked to terrorism. Such discussions are likely to elicit strong responses from the BJP.

J&K People’s Conference chairman and MLA Sajad Gani Lone, along with PDP’s Waheed Para, are expected to spotlight issues concerning NC’s governance in the UT while also addressing the confusion and lack of accountability stemming from the dual power centers—the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government— in this sensitive border region.

It remains unclear whether the NC government will present the Comptroller and Auditor General reports from the past seven years of Central rule in J&K during the Assembly session.

Major political parties have convened meetings among their legislators to strategize for the budget session. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held a meeting with NC’s coalition partners on Sunday to finalize their approach in response to opposition attacks in the Assembly. Although Congress has pledged its support for the Omar Abdullah government, it intends to raise issues that are crucial to the public.

The BJP conducted a two-day training camp for its legislators in which party President JP Nadda underscored the importance of grassroots connections and the need for MLAs to maintain a pro-people stance. The party is poised to challenge the NC on its promises of free electricity and rations during the electoral campaign.

On March 1, Omar met with LG Manoj Sinha to discuss key issues related to the upcoming budget session.