JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday defended the Budget 2025 in the Assembly, and said that it was based on reality rather than pessimism.
His remarks came in response to PDP leader Waheed Para, who had earlier criticised the budget as “pessimistic” and lacking substance.
Addressing the House, CM Abdullah said, “My way of presenting the budget was also debated. Waheed Para had called it pessimistic and, from the outset, said the budget had nothing in it. Soon after, I was questioned about it. I will say it was realistic. I acknowledge that we have problems, but I have said I will try to solve all the issues.”
He highlighted the financial challenges facing the Union Territory, stating, “We have faced troubles, and there is no doubt about it. We have more demands and fewer finances—it is a reality. I cannot bring back all power projects, provide free electricity to the people of J&K, or ensure 24-hour uninterrupted power supply. Even our welfare schemes are not fully meeting expectations, and the salaries of lawmakers are insufficient. This is because we are short of funds.”
Despite the limitations, the Chief Minister said that the government was making the best use of available resources. “Whatever we have, we are giving that. So, I was not pessimistic but realistic,” he concluded.
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