Dispelling political grapevine centered around fresh political realignment in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday clarified that there are currently no plans for an alliance with the ruling party in the Centre.

“We are not talking about any alliance (with the BJP); neither is there any scope nor the need. Our thoughts also do not align”, Omar said on day one of the Budget session of J and K Assembly.

If we talk about J and K, our thoughts are vastly different… We will hold discussions on everything (during the session),” he asserted.

On the other hand, unsparing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti Monday accused the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference (NC) government of acting as an extension of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state.

The former chief minister suggested that the NC was attempting to legitimise the BJP’s actions over the past six years, including the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

Addressing media persons in Srinagar, Mufti said Omar says how he will get it (Article 370) from the BJP. When BJP could talk on abrogating Article 370 for 70 years, at least you (Omar) can speak on this and say this was done illegally,” she said.

She said that people voted for Omar Abdullah hoping the government would address issues of disempowerment, as well as concerns over property, minerals, and jobs.

“I did not expect miracles from the NC in four months, but at least they should have raised their voice on such issues,” she said.

Mufti said that besides Article 370 and statehood restoration, several issues were being faced by the public.

She said they have brought several bills and expect that there would be unity among political parties to address these critical issues facing Jammu and Kashmir.

Mehbooba Mufti also criticised the Lieutenant Governor’s address on the opening day of the Budget Session, expressing disappointment that it did not address the issues of disempowerment faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Mufti also took a jibe at Omar Abdullah, stating that no one was asking him to become Delhi former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, but that he should at least stand up for the rights of his people.

Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone also lashed out at the National Conference over Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s speech, saying it is indistinguishable from a possible speech.

In a post on X, Lone, said that the LG’s address is indistinguishable from a possible BJP speech, had they been in power.

“There seems to be total ideological overlap,” he said, adding that the speech doesn’t even remotely talk about Article 370, Article 35 A.

“No mention of 5 August 2019. No mention of reorganisation Act,” he said.

The LG’s speech is drafted by the elected government to outline its policy and achievements

“They don’t even want to pretend that have anything to do with Article 370. I remember how during election campaign it was all about Article 370, and how all others are BJP. And now the ideological overlap,” he said.

Earlier, addressing the first Budget session of J and K Assembly in seven years, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the session is not merely a legislative formality but a reflection of their commitment to good governance, transparency, and inclusive development.

“One of the foremost aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is the restoration of full statehood. My government remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing this aspiration,” he said

Lieutenant Governor also reiterated commitment of the Union Territory government towards strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies by ensuring timely elections at all levels.

The Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Dedicated Backward Classes Commission, established in June 2023 to conduct empirical studies on Other Backward Classes (OBC) representation, submitted its final recommendations to the government last week, brightening the outlook for polls to local bodies.