Opposition Leader Criticizes National Conferences Advisory Group as a Means to Suppress Dissent

New Delhi, November 11 (Daily Kiran) : Jammu and Kashmir’s opposition leader, Sunil Sharma, voiced strong criticism on Wednesday regarding the informal advisory group established by the National Conference (NC) for its legislators. He argued that this move is more about managing internal dissent than making strides toward better governance.

Sharma pointed out that Dr. Farooq Abdullah is not holding any public office. He questioned how a party president can direct ministers to report to party groups when the civil secretariat is not in control, implying that governance is being managed from Gupkar rather than the official government framework.

He noted that this behavior is not unprecedented for the NC. Throughout its history, the party has prioritized family and party interests over institutional and public needs. This latest decision exemplifies that same mindset.

The opposition leader expressed concern that if only NC legislators have access to information on policies and direct communication with ministers, it would treat voters who support opposition legislators as second-class citizens. This approach would skew development priorities toward loyalty to the party rather than the actual needs of the citizens. Even NC allies are excluded from this process, which suggests the group is intended solely to manage dissent within the party rather than engage with elected representatives.

Sharma urged the government to clarify whether these legislators will have the authority to review departmental files, assess expenditures, or question officials, and whether they will report to the Chief Minister or the party president. If they lack these powers, the newly formed informal groups would merely serve as “consolation prizes.” If they do engage in these activities, they risk becoming “parallel power centers” without accountability. The public elected 90 legislators, not just those from the NC.

He emphasized that this arrangement undermines the Assembly and its committees, where opposition members should hold the government accountable. Moreover, no external advice was sought on this matter, which should involve all parties, not just the ruling one. Every minister has taken an oath of confidentiality, committing to disclose matters only when necessary for their duties. Providing party groups with information about policy initiatives and departmental operations falls outside a minister’s responsibilities and would breach both their oath and the laws governing their positions. Referring to these groups as “informal” implies they lack any genuine authority or function.

Sharma added that due to the 10% cap on cabinet representation, the NC is merely giving hollow titles to its legislators to keep them quiet, without granting them any real power in governance. This façade is intended to pacify disgruntled party members at the expense of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Ministers are accountable to the Assembly, not just to a single party. If the government genuinely wishes to consider the opinions of all legislators, it should establish “consultative committees” that include all parties, as is done in other state assemblies.