The Congress on Saturday urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah not to bypass the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir and to ensure that the state administration is consulted and involved in any initiative or action taken in the Union Territory.
The appeal comes amid growing tensions over the scope of authority held by the elected government and the Raj Bhawan. Congress chief whip in the assembly, Nizamuddin Bhat, emphasised the importance of respecting the democratic mandate, stating that the current government enjoys a massive public mandate, which should be honored in both spirit and practice.
Speaking to reporters, Bhat noted that even if certain actions are only advisory in nature, it is essential that the state government be kept in the loop and not sidelined.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to begin a series of three official visits to Jammu and Kashmir starting Sunday. Bhat, who represents Bandipora in the assembly, acknowledged that both the Centre and the Raj Bhawan have specific powers that they are entitled to exercise under the Constitution.
However, he stressed that any initiative involving the Union Territory—whether it's an administrative review, policy decision, or any significant action—must include the elected government in the decision-making process. He described this approach as not only a constitutional obligation but also an ethical, moral, and political necessity.
Also read: JK Congress slams LG over transfer of 48 JKAS officers
The backdrop to the Congress's appeal is a recent controversy sparked by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s announcement regarding the transfer of JKAS middle and lower-rung officers without consulting the elected government.
Sinha defended the move by stating that it was carried out within the powers vested in him by the Constitution and reaffirmed his respect for the people’s mandate, especially the one given to the National Conference and its alliance partners. However, the government led by Omar Abdullah strongly objected to the decision, hinting that such unilateral actions undermine their authority.
In a veiled warning, Abdullah’s administration cautioned that their patience should not be mistaken for weakness, suggesting deeper frustrations with the current power dynamics between the Raj Bhawan and the elected government.
Also Read: LG Sinha defends JKAS transfers as fully constitutional
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