Congress Accuses BJP of Undermining Jammu and Kashmirs Elected Government

Jammu, October 31 (Daily Kiran) : Amid rising political tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, Congress has accused the BJP of attempting to destabilize the elected government. Congress spokesperson Ravinder Sharma highlighted the challenges faced due to the absence of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, which he claims has led to various issues in the region.

In a recent interview, Sharma acknowledged potential discontent within the National Conference regarding the limited number of ministers in the cabinet but dismissed fears of any significant threat to the government. He noted that the National Conference will engage with its legislators to address any grievances, though he was not privy to specific complaints.

The spokesperson pointed out that the restriction on the number of ministers—due to the region’s status as a Union Territory—has created difficulties for senior legislators who have been elected multiple times and aspire to cabinet positions. He argued that if Jammu and Kashmir had been granted full statehood, the number of ministers could have increased, allowing more senior and eager legislators to take part in governance.

Sharma accused the BJP of exploiting this situation, suggesting that the party has a history of undermining elected governments. He connected this to the controversial “Operation Lotus,” alleging that the BJP is likely reaching out to dissatisfied leaders and legislators. However, he emphasized that there is no visible large-scale rebellion currently.

The Congress party is providing external support to the National Conference, with the aim of stabilizing the government. Sharma asserted that Congress will not support any attempts to seize power through underhanded means and confirmed that the National Conference has the full backing of six Congress legislators.

On the matter of Congress’s participation in the cabinet, Sharma explained that the mandate to form the government was given to the National Conference. He expressed concerns that if Congress were to take a share of the cabinet positions, it could complicate the situation further due to the limited number of available roles. Instead, Congress has chosen to fight for the restoration of statehood from outside the government, advocating for this cause from the streets to the national capital.

Sharma held the central government and the BJP responsible for the current state of affairs, describing a dual control system in Jammu and Kashmir that leaves the elected government and its citizens caught in a bind. He reiterated that while Congress stands with the elected government, significant administrative powers still lie with the central government through the Lieutenant Governor.

He remarked that promises had been made regarding delimitation, elections, and the restoration of statehood, yet two years after the establishment of an elected government, these promises remain unfulfilled. Issues concerning the transfers of district commissioners and police superintendents, as well as administrative decisions, pose ongoing challenges for the elected government. Sharma contended that the central government appears intent on ensuring the elected government does not succeed, fostering continued political instability.

Describing the BJP as an opportunistic party, Sharma criticized its history of forming alliances with various factions for power. He reaffirmed Congress’s commitment to democracy, the rights of the people, and a stable government in Jammu and Kashmir, vowing that the struggle for statehood will persist alongside support for the National Conference.