Broken Promises
In the 2024 assembly elections, the National Conference (NC), led by Omar Abdullah, swept to power in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) with a promise of transformative governance. The NC’s manifesto was laden with ambitious commitments. However, nearly a year into its tenure, the Omar-led government faces mounting criticism for its failure to deliver on these pledges. Opposition parties, civil society, and even voices within the NC’s coalition have accused the administration of inertia, distraction, and a lack of political will, leaving the people of J&K increasingly disillusioned.
One of the most glaring failures has been the government’s inability to advance the restoration of statehood, a cornerstone of the NC’s electoral campaign.
Another unfulfilled promise is the provision of 200 units of free electricity, a pledge that resonated deeply in a region plagued by power shortages. In March 2025, Omar Abdullah admitted that the government could neither afford free power nor ensure a 24x7 electricity supply, a stark reversal from the NC’s campaign rhetoric. This admission sparked widespread backlash, with opposition leaders like BJP’s Pawan Sharma labeling it a betrayal of public trust. The failure to address electricity shortages, particularly in Kashmir’s harsh winters, has further eroded public confidence, with citizens questioning the government’s commitment to basic service delivery.
The NC’s promise to repeal the PSA and release political prisoners has also remained unmet, drawing criticism from both allies and adversaries. Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, an NC MP, publicly expressed dismay in June 2025, stating that the government’s inaction had left people “hopeless.” The PSA, a controversial law allowing detention without trial, continues to be enforced, and no significant steps have been taken to secure the release of political detainees. This has fueled accusations that the NC is more focused on maintaining political stability than fulfilling its human rights commitments, further alienating its voter base.
The government’s broader governance record has also come under scrutiny, with the BJP and other opposition parties alleging that it “exists only on paper.” Routine administrative functions, such as timely budget implementation and development projects, have been hampered by delays and inefficiencies. The maiden budget of the Omar-led regime, presented in March 2025, was dismissed by the opposition as “mere rhetoric,” lacking concrete measures to address unemployment, infrastructure, or education. Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma accused the government of resorting to “useless issues” to divert attention from its failures, a sentiment echoed by Congress leaders who expressed concerns over the NC’s inability to honor coalition promises.
Internal discord within the NC and its coalition has compounded these challenges. Reports of factionalism and dissatisfaction among party leaders, highlight a lack of cohesion in pursuing the manifesto’s goals. The Congress, a key coalition partner, has voiced frustration over the government’s performance, signaling strains in the alliance. This internal turmoil has weakened the administration’s ability to project a united front, further undermining its credibility.
In conclusion, the Omar Abdullah-led government’s failure to fulfill its election promises has sparked widespread discontent in Jammu and Kashmir. From the stalled restoration of statehood to the unaddressed issues of electricity, political prisoners, and governance, the NC’s tenure has been marked by unfulfilled expectations. While the government cites structural constraints and central government resistance, critics argue that it lacks the resolve and strategy to deliver on its mandate. As public frustration grows, government faces a critical test: to translate its promises into action or risk losing the trust of the people it vowed to serve.
Author is a research scholar and Columnist from Raiyar Doodhpathri.
