Kashmir Impulse Desk

Jammu, April 1

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday accused the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of exploiting the plight of temporary government workers for political attention, as heated exchanges in the legislative assembly disrupted proceedings and led to a walkout by PDP lawmakers.

CM Omar, reaffirming his government’s commitment to the gradual regularization of daily wage and temporary workers, said the process would begin in phases during the current financial year. 

But he sharply criticized the PDP, saying its leaders were more interested in publicity than policy.

“They are not concerned about the workers,” the CM said during the session. “Their priority is to attract attention.”

The remarks came after a confrontation with PDP legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, who had introduced a private member’s bill seeking the regularization of daily wage, adhoc and other temporary employees. 

The proposal was opposed by the government, triggering protests by PDP members and a noisy standoff with lawmakers from the ruling National Conference.

The session descended into disorder, with lawmakers shouting over one another before PDP legislators walked out. 

The Speaker later directed that parts of the exchanges not be included in the official record.

CM Omar said the government’s opposition to the bill was procedural rather than substantive, noting that a similar proposal had been set aside earlier with assurances that the issue was under active consideration. 

He reiterated that a committee was examining the matter and urged lawmakers to await its findings.

“The commitment has already been made,” the CM said. “The process will begin this year.”

He also used the moment to accuse the PDP of repeatedly spreading misinformation, citing past disputes, including claims related to official accommodations for former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti. 

CM Omar said such allegations were unfounded and politically motivated.

Despite the acrimony, he emphasized that the government recognized the concerns of thousands of workers who have spent years in temporary positions and described their regularization as a priority.

Earlier in the session, a similar bill introduced by CPI (M) legislator Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami was withdrawn after the chief minister reiterated the government’s assurances.

The episode underscored deepening political tensions in the assembly, even as the government sought to project a measured approach to a longstanding and politically sensitive issue.