Omar takes back pay hike Bills, accuses BJP of politicising issue

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday pulled back two Bills seeking higher salaries and allowances for Ministers and legislators after a BJP-led objection in the Assembly, saying the opposition was politicising the issue by linking it with the problems of daily wagers.

Omar Abdullah withdrew two Bills seeking increase in salaries and allowances of Ministers, Ministers of State and Members of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislature, following objections raised by members of the principal opposition BJP in the Legislative Assembly.

Responding to the objections, the Chief Minister said there was no dissenting note in the House Committee that had recommended the proposed increase in salaries and allowances.

He also said that while BJP members were seeking salaries and allowances, they were simultaneously attempting to politicise the issue by referring to the problems faced by daily wagers.

“I was never in favour of it. Ask my MLAs. If a single member opposes, it will never pass. I withdraw the Bill,” the Chief Minister said.

The House subsequently voted in favour of withdrawal of the legislation by majority.

The Bills withdrawn by the Chief Minister, in his capacity as Minister Incharge Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, were:

“A Bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Ministers’ and Ministers of State Salaries Act, 1956” (L.A. Bill No. 13 of 2026).

“A Bill to amend the Salaries and Allowances of Members of the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislature Act, 1960, and for matters connected or incidental thereto.” (L.A. Bill No. 14 of 2026).