Jammu; As MPs gathered to discuss important regional challenges, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was alive with activity on March 10, 2025. One of them was Shopian’s independent MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay, whose voice bounced across the house with a mix of regional advocacy and more general political demands. Representing a seat known as the “Apple Town of Kashmir,” Kullay created discussion throughout the Union Territory and raised concerns that are particularly important to his constituents. The significance of Kullay’s remarks that day, as well as how they represented the changing political climate in Jammu and Kashmir.
Who is Shabir Ahmad Kullay?
Before exploring his March 10 speech, it’s worth understanding the man behind the words. Shabir Ahmad Kullay, a 63-year-old advocate by profession, entered the political arena as an independent candidate in the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. With a graduate-level education and no criminal cases against him, Kullay’s clean slate and grassroots appeal propelled him to victory in Shopian, a district known for its apple orchards and scenic beauty. His financial declarations—total assets worth ₹15.1 crore—paint a picture of a well-off yet relatable figure, deeply tied to his community.
Elected in the first assembly polls since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Kullay represents a new wave of leaders navigating Jammu and Kashmir’s transition from a state to a Union Territory. His independence from major political alliances like the National Conference (NC)-Congress coalition or the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gives him a unique platform to speak freely, often challenging both the ruling and opposition benches.
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The Context of March 10, 2025
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly session that began on March 3, 2025, was no ordinary gathering. It was part of the ongoing budget discussions following the Lieutenant Governor’s address, a critical moment for lawmakers to voice their constituents’ needs. By March 10, the session had already seen heated exchanges over statehood, infrastructure, and public welfare. For Shopian’s MLA, this was a chance to spotlight his district’s challenges while weighing in on territory-wide issues.
The day’s proceedings included responses to questions raised by MLAs, with Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary addressing infrastructure concerns. Kullay, known for his persistence, seized this opportunity to push for answers and advocate for his people. His speech—or rather, his pointed question and subsequent remarks—captured attention for its practicality and underlying boldness.
Kully On, Shopian-Aglar Road Question
At the heart of Kullay’s contribution on March 10 was a question about the Shopian-Aglar road project. This wasn’t just a routine query; it was a lifeline issue for Shopian, where over 60% of residents depend on apple farming. Connectivity is crucial for transporting produce, and the road’s delays had frustrated locals. Kullay asked the government for an update, pressing for clarity on when work would resume.
Deputy Chief Minister Choudhary responded that the project, approved under the PMGSY Incentive Fund for 2024-2025, had seen 3.5 km completed before winter halted progress. He assured the House that construction would restart once weather conditions improved. While this answer satisfied procedural curiosity, Kullay likely used the moment to emphasize urgency, subtly reminding the government of its promises to rural constituencies like his.
Beyond the Road: A Broader Vision
Kullay’s engagement didn’t stop at infrastructure. Though no full transcript exists, his past assembly interventions suggest he wove in broader themes. Earlier in the session, on March 6, he had urged the government to petition the Supreme Court for statehood restoration—a demand rooted in Jammu and Kashmir’s lost autonomy post-2019. On March 10, he might have reiterated this, framing it as a prerequisite for meaningful development, including projects like the Shopian-Aglar road.
He also has a history of addressing youth unemployment and drug addiction, issues plaguing Shopian and beyond. It’s plausible he linked these to the need for better infrastructure, arguing that jobs and economic stability hinge on accessible roads and markets. His tone, as seen in prior debates, is direct yet constructive, aiming to hold the government accountable without alienating potential allies.
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The Controversial Salary Hike Demand
One of Kullay’s most talked-about remarks—possibly raised on March 10 or earlier in the session—was his call for a 50-60% salary increase for MLAs (from ₹1.6 lakh) and land allotments in Jammu and Srinagar. This demand sparked outrage online, with oppositions calling it “selfish” amid public struggles. If he raised it that day, it likely followed his road question, perhaps as a segue into lawmakers’ working conditions. Kullay might have argued that better compensation would enable MLAs to serve constituents more effectively, though the public saw it as tone-deaf.
A Voice for Shopian
Kullay’s focus on the Shopian-Aglar road underscored his role as a local champion. Shopian’s economy thrives on apples, and poor connectivity risks rotting harvests and lost income. By pressing the government, he signaled that rural voices wouldn’t be drowned out in a Jammu-centric or urban-focused assembly. His question wasn’t just about asphalt—it was about dignity and survival for his people.
Stirring the Statehood Debate
If Kullay revisited statehood on March 10, he kept a critical issue alive. The NC-Congress coalition, which dominates the assembly with 49 seats, has promised to pursue statehood, but progress is slow. Kullay’s independent stance amplifies this demand, pressuring Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to act. His call for a joint petition to the Supreme Court reflects a belief that only collective action can reverse the 2019 downgrade to Union Territory status.
The Backlash and Public Perception
The salary hike proposal, whether from March 10 or earlier, revealed Kullay’s knack for sparking debate. Critics in the media slammed him, with one user writing, “MLAs want luxury while youth beg for jobs.” Yet, this controversy also highlighted a disconnect between lawmakers and citizens—a tension Kullay inadvertently exposed. His willingness to raise such a divisive issue, even if poorly received, shows he’s unafraid to challenge norms, a trait rare in a polarized assembly.
The Bigger Picture: Kullay in Jammu and Kashmir’s Political Landscape
An Independent Force
Unlike NC’s 42 seats or BJP’s 29, Kullay stands alone, one of four independents who won in 2024. This independence frees him from party lines but limits his sway. His March 10 remarks—pragmatic yet provocative—position him as a bridge between local needs and regional aspirations. He’s not aligned with the NC-Congress vision of gradual reconciliation with New Delhi, nor the BJP’s push for centralized control. Instead, he carves a middle path, demanding both development and dignity.
Reflecting a Divided Assembly
The session itself mirrors Jammu and Kashmir’s fractured polity. The NC-Congress alliance holds power, but the BJP’s strong Jammu base and vocal opposition—like their protests over Article 370 resolutions—keep tensions high. Kullay navigates this divide, aligning with neither side fully. His road question found a receptive ear in the Deputy CM, while his salary demand irked both treasury and opposition benches, showing his ability to stir the pot across party lines.
What’s Next for Kullay and Shopian?
Kullay’s March 10 speech, though brief, sets the tone for his tenure. The Shopian-Aglar road’s completion will be a litmus test—delays could dent his credibility, while success would bolster his image as a doer. His statehood advocacy, if pursued, could elevate him beyond Shopian, making him a player in the territory’s existential fight. And the salary hike backlash? It’s a lesson in public optics he’ll need to heed.
For Shopian, Kullay’s words signal hope. Better roads mean thriving markets, and his focus on youth issues hints at a broader vision. Yet, his independence limits his leverage in a coalition-driven assembly. To deliver, he’ll need to build alliances without sacrificing his outsider edge—a tightrope act in Jammu and Kashmir’s volatile politics.
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