JK CM Omar Abdullah Meets LG Manoj Sinha Amid Wait for LG's Nod for Business Rules

New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan in Jammu on Sunday. The meeting, which began at 4:30 PM, lasted for approximately 10 minutes.  

Though the agenda of the discussion remains undisclosed, the timing is significant, as it follows Abdullah's recent two-day visit to New Delhi. Importantly, this meeting comes at a time when the Omar Abdullah-led government has submitted the proposed business rules for Jammu and Kashmir to the Lieutenant Governor for approval. These rules are expected to outline the division of powers between the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor's office. 

According to officials, the Chief Minister's visit to Raj Bhawan was unplanned and decided shortly before his departure. The sudden nature of the meeting has sparked speculation about potential developments in the power dynamics of the Union Territory.

J&K Govt Submits Business Rules to LG for Centre's Approval: Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced on March 6, 2025, that the government has finalized the Business Rules for the Union Territory's administration and submitted them to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for the Centre's final approval.  

“We were required to frame the Business Rules, and they were approved by the Cabinet around 8 p.m. on Wednesday. The rules have been sent to the LG, and we expect them to be approved soon. Until then, we consider the current system temporary,” Abdullah stated while addressing the J&K Assembly.  

He emphasized that the Business Rules would help prevent any confusion regarding the respect and dignity of institutions, adding, “Dignity and respect are essential for the institution. It was unfortunate that our Statehood was taken away.” Abdullah also criticized the fact that the Chief Minister's protocol currently ranks lower than that of a Minister of State in the Union Territory.  

The revised Business Rules clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of the Chief Minister, the Cabinet, Ministers, and Administrative Secretaries. However, key matters related to law and order, public order, and All India Services remain under the authority of the Lieutenant Governor. The amendments also specify procedures for resolving disagreements between the LG and the Council of Ministers or an individual Minister.  

Framing the Business Rules took the Omar Abdullah government over four months, a requirement under the J&K Reorganisation Act. The Union Territory was formed in 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370, and J&K held its first Assembly elections in 2024, with Abdullah assuming office as Chief Minister on October 16, 2024.