What Is Darbar Move? Farooq Abdullah Vows To Restore It If Voted To Power

J&K Assembly elections 2024: National Conference (NC) president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, Farooq Abdullah, pledged on Thursday to reinstate the historic 'Darbar Move' if his party is voted into power in the ongoing state Assembly elections. Abdullah emphasized its role in fostering unity between Jammu and Kashmir, stating, "The Darbar Move was a bridge that kept Jammu and Srinagar connected politically, economically, and emotionally. Abandoning it creates a divide between the two regions, which we cannot afford."

Abdullah assured that if the National Conference wins the 2024 elections, the party would immediately revive the practice, making it a cornerstone of governance once again. Several opposition parties, including the Congress, the Apni Party, and the People's Democratic Party (PDP), have also pledged to bring back the Darbar Move.

What is the 'Darbar Move'?

The 'Darbar Move' is a 152-year-old practice initiated by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1872. Under this tradition, government offices, including the civil secretariat, would shift between Srinagar, the summer capital, and Jammu, the winter capital, every six months. This allowed the government to function from Srinagar from May to October and from Jammu from November to April.

The move was introduced to ensure balanced focus on both regions of Jammu and Kashmir and to prevent regional disparities, allowing government officials and services to be accessible across the state.

The Darbar Move was more than symbolic; it was a practice that ensured equitable administrative attention to both Jammu and Srinagar. By alternating the seat of government, it helped maintain a connection with the people of both regions while stimulating seasonal economic benefits in each city.

In Jammu, the influx of government employees during the winter months brought economic activity and a bustling atmosphere. In Srinagar, it spurred administrative action during the warmer months, making the city a hub of government activity.

Despite its cultural and political significance, the Darbar Move has faced criticism due to its high cost. The biannual shift, involving the transfer of personnel, records, and offices, is estimated to cost the state hundreds of crores annually.

In response to these concerns and amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the government under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha suspended the practice on June 30, 2021, citing financial constraints. However, the suspension of the Darbar Move remains controversial, as many view it as a symbol of inclusivity and regional unity. Its potential revival has become a key issue in the ongoing political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir.