BJP leader Sunil Sharma challenged the National Conference's demand for Jammu and Kashmir's "special status," stating the term is not in the Indian Constitution. Sunil Sharma argued that Article 370, which NC claims defined this status, has been "buried," dismissing the demand as baseless and accusing NC of misleading voters.
Kashmiri Shia Muslims held protests across the region condemning a suicide bombing at a mosque in Islamabad. The attack killed over 30 people during Friday prayers. Demonstrations occurred in Srinagar, Baramulla, and Bandipora. Protesters voiced anger against the Pakistani government and expressed solidarity with the victims. Some raised slogans supporting Syed Hassan Nasrallah, Palestine, and Hezbollah.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presented a Rs 1.27-lakh crore budget for 2026-27, addressing challenges from recent attacks and floods. The budget includes provisions for emergency hospitals, bullet-proof ambulances, fee waivers for economically weaker students, and support for orphans and disabled individuals. Opposition leaders criticized the budget, calling it uninspiring and a repackaging of central schemes.
India has vehemently rejected Pakistan's claims linking New Delhi to a suicide bombing at an Islamabad mosque, calling the allegations "baseless and pointless." Pakistan's defence minister had alleged collusion between India and Afghanistan, which India dismissed as self-delusion for internal problems. The attack killed at least 31 people.
Congress on Wednesday said the bigger issue in the Lok Sabha was that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to speak, as the Prime Minister’s reply depends on the LoP’s questions. Without this, no debate could take place. Opposition protests led to dramatic scenes and the adjournment of the House.
Addressing the BJP-led NDA parliamentary party meeting where he was felicitated for India’s trade agreements, including with EU and US, Modi said India is at the centre of an uncertain world as past alliances give way to new alignments, emphasising that the new year has been particularly encouraging for India, sources said.
The Speaker further pointed out that granting statehood falls within the domain of the Centre and advised Lone to raise only those issues on which J&K govt is competent to respond or take a decision. Outside the assembly, Lone said four of his other amendments were, however, accepted, including those concerning daily wagers, NLU and condemnation of attacks on Kashmiris outside J&K.
