LG-CM chasm: J&K can’t afford political uncertainty
Everything comes with an expiry date and so does my patience: CM Omar Abdullah
Only police under me, development domain of the elected government: LG Manoj Sinha
These are the warring comments between Lt Governor Mr Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Mr Omar Abdullah. The observations were made by them on separate occasions but with the same intent, in the fragile constitutional and political firmament of Jammu and Kashmir.
Is the eight-month long truce between the self-effacing chief minister and all empowered Lt Governor, being the sole-representative of the Centre, over? Is Mr Abdullah’s discomfiture manifested in his “expiry date” expression, an outcome of the increasing public pressure reminding him of his poll-promise on reinstating statehood and subsequent restoration of Article 370 in its old form?
Jammu and Kashmir, particularly Kashmir, is not a static entity-both strategically and politically- as compared to other parts of the country. This can be amply borne out by the events and developments post-Independence including the repeated border turmoil with Pakistan as we witnessed once again recently.
Are the statements/observations made by the two constitutional authorities in Jammu and Kashmir, which has found semblance of peace and partial succor from terrorism with great difficulty, an indication of yet another political turmoil and the related uncertainty?
At a time when the Union Territory has been trying to come to terms with the fallout of the latest round of Indo-Pak armed confrontation in the aftermath of bloody Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 innocent and unarmed tourists were killed by the gun-totting terrorists, this is the last thing anyone not only in Jammu and Kashmir but the entire nation will expect. Jammu and Kashmir cannot afford yet another round of political uncertainty only to satisfy the urges of powerful groups in New Delhi and J &K. A realization must dawn on all that such a situation is least in the national interest.
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir shares its status with Delhi and Puducherry, UTs with assembly, with limited powers to the elected government. Realistically speaking, as the one who has witnessed developments in Delhi from a reporter’s prism, through close quarters since 1993 when it acquired its current constitutional status, this model is totally flawed and unworkable. This model was born more out of political expediency rather than well-being of the people.
Nevertheless, all the three cases should be viewed and reviewed differently by the powers that be. J&K with its strategic location and sensitivity did not deserve this treatment.
Unfortunately, the main stakeholders (the people) had no say when this model of UTs was formulated. This is entirely true of Jammu and Kashmir where a progressive state - the national parameters would bear this out - despite three-decade long terrorism and political instability from time to time, to satisfy the whims and fancies of the political leaders in New Delhi and J&K was unceremoniously divested of its status. Never ever the people were taken on board when this decision of far-reaching dimensions was taken.
It is a reality that Jammu and Kashmir is a Union Territory with a lame-duck elected government and a powerful Raj Bhawan lording over. Holding assembly elections, first in five years after the UT status, was certainly a welcome move as it reflected the Centre’s will to bring people back into the democratic process and elect their own representatives, which they did with utmost enthusiasm. This spirit needed to be taken forward through greater understanding between what Mr Abdullah has now described as “two power-centers” without introducing any political element to it.
Unfortunately, this spirit seemed to be beginning to lose steam and is in the danger of getting evaporated. Carrying forward this spirit would entail exhibiting, more so on the part of the Centre and Raj Bhawan, a sense of adjustment and mutual trust, while bearing in mind that pressure all the time will be on the elected government being directly answerable to the people.
Jammu and Kashmir assembly in its present form is a well-balanced House. On one side is the National Conference-led ruling alliance with strong majority and on the other hand there is a strong opposition primarily the BJP. This balanced formulation, in terms of number game, of the assembly was a perfect platform for the Centre-Raj Bhawan combo, to take the democratic processes forward with elected representatives of both ruling and opposition varieties becoming the show-window.
Under the circumstances Mr Abdullah citing the expiry date of his patience is but natural as he seems to be under growing pressure of not only the electorates but also his own party. The situation would have eased or at least not reached a situation where the chasm between the Lt Governor and the CM threatens to become open, had the Centre engaged UT government on the issue of restoration of statehood. Barring an occasional observation from the BJP’s central leadership and the Centre that this would be done at an “appropriate time”, there is nothing to show intent and give people a ray of hope. And a face-saver to Mr Abdullah.
He urged Sinha to endorse the business rules framed by the Cabinet, which Abdullah said align with the J and K Reorganisation Act and do not encroach on the LG’s authority over security, law and order, or officer transfers.
The Chief Minister also referenced the recent Pahalgam attack, suggesting that Sinha’s assertion of a limited role might be an acknowledgment of security lapses under his watch. “Pahalgam happened under his watch, and it seems that is his way of putting his hand down,” Abdullah remarked. He cautioned, however, that public anger over the attack should not be misconstrued as support for the events of August 5, 2019, when the region’s special status was revoked.
Abdullah stressed that the business rules proposed by his Government aim to eliminate confusion and ensure smooth governance.
“We just want to ensure that the distribution of responsibilities is clear cut and there is no confusion,” he said.
“The fact is, he does dabble in governance-related matters,” Abdullah said, pointing to Sinha’s involvement in laying foundations for factories in industrial estates and distributing job orders, both managed by the elected Government.
He urged Sinha to endorse the business rules framed by the Cabinet, which Abdullah said align with the J and K Reorganisation Act and do not encroach on the LG’s authority over security, law and order, or officer transfers.
The Chief Minister also referenced the recent Pahalgam attack, suggesting that Sinha’s assertion of a limited role might be an acknowledgment of security lapses under his watch. “Pahalgam happened under his watch, and it seems that is his way of putting his hand down,” Abdullah remarked. He cautioned, however, that public anger over the attack should not be misconstrued as support for the events of August 5, 2019, when the region’s special status was revoked.
