J&K politicians take dig at MHA over amending Business Rules

Political parties have taken a dig at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) over amending the transaction of business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019, with former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah saying J&K deserves better than a ‘powerless’ Chief Minister.

The amendments made by the MHA on Friday widened the scope of administrative powers of J&K Lieutenant Governor.Omar Abdullah, National Conference Vice President said 'the people of J&K deserve better than a powerless, rubber stamp Chief Minister'.

“Another indicator that elections are around the corner in J&K. This is why a firm commitment laying out the timeline for the restoration of full, undiluted statehood for J&K is a prerequisite for these elections. The people of J&K deserve better than a powerless, rubber stamp CM who will have to beg the LG to get his or her peon appointed,” Omar posted on X.

According to amendments made by the MHA, the proposals relating to the transfer of administrative secretaries and cadre posts of All India Service (AIS) officers will be submitted to the Lieutenant Governor of J&K by the administrative secretary, General Administration Department, through the Chief Secretary.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti's daughter and her media advisor, Iltija Mufti, said 'the MHA move would reduce an elected government in J&K to a municipality'.

“At a time when there’s been considerable speculation about Government of India holding elections in J&K this new MHA order & farmaan widening the already unbridled powers of an unelected LG makes a few things abundantly clear 1) Assembly elections will be conducted this year itself, 2) GOI is well aware if & when state elections are held in J&K a non BJP government will be elected.

3)The order seeks to disempower the powers of the next J&K state government only because BJP doesn’t want to cede control or lose its iron grip over Kashmiris.

4)Statehood is out of the question. An elected government in J&K will be reduced to a municipality,” she posted on X.

PDP youth leader Waheed Parra questioned the union government’s decision.“Why hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir when the powers of the elected government are permanently delegated to an unelected administrator? This erosion of the People's Representation weakens our democratic institutions permanently,” Parra said.

Congress J&K President Vikar Rasool termed it a “murder’ of democracy”.“The murder of democracy in Jammu and Kashmir is evident before the restoration of proper democracy and statehood. MHA gave more powers, including the Police, Law and order, and the transfer of officers etc which have been vested with the LG. The elected Chief Minister and his council will be required to adhere to the directives of the LG, while also remaining accountable to the people,” Vikar said.

Apni Party Chief Altaf Bukhari on Saturday invited all parties to sit together for the larger interest of the people.“We should keep aside our political differences and get united against the decision,” Bukhari told reporters in Srinagar. “We must unite despite political differences to ensure a strong government that serves peoples interests."(UNI)<>