J&K's elected govt lacks ‘full rights’: Dy CM

National Conference Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Thursday expressed strong discontent with the current administrative situation in Jammu and Kashmir, warning of street protests if the elected government’s mandate is not respected. He stated that despite their hopes, some things “are not getting right” with the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s administration.

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Choudhary said the J&K government had “only one hand,” implying limited authority. He specifically referenced a recent major reshuffle of officers ordered by the L-G, stating, “We hope that L-G will accept the mandate of the people and work will happen according to that.” He accused the L-G of “crushing the democracy” and “playing with the Constitution” through such actions, whether in the form of transfers or other decisions.

These sharp comments come amidst the National Conference government’s efforts to avoid confrontation with the Raj Bhavan and the Central government. Choudhary emphasised the sacrifices made for democracy, invoking figures like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, and questioned the difference between the current situation and British rule if elected governments were not given full decision-making rights.

He highlighted the disconnect between elected representatives and the L-G, noting the elaborate security protocols for the latter, while elected representatives move freely among the people. Choudhary praised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as a “polished and well-behaved leader” and asserted that the people’s mandate cannot be crushed.

Warning against underestimating their resolve, he declared, “Do not think that we will get scared, we are not afraid.” Choudhary affirmed that they would “get down on the streets” if forced to fight for their people.

The Deputy CM also reiterated the crucial need for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, urging the media not to repeatedly question them on this until it is achieved, as it gives leverage to “others, who are still running a proxy government.” He said the elected government can demonstrate its accountability only if the L-G “does not interfere with the government.”