National Conference ups ante against ‘dual power centre’ in J&K, seeks restoration of statehood for effective governance

SRINAGAR: Questioning LG Manoj Sinha’s assertion that he only controlled police, the governing National Conference on Monday sharpened its pitch against the “dual power centre” in J&K, which it claimed was hindering effective governance, and reiterated its demand for restoration of statehood.“Governor sahib says only the police are under him. But, in a region facing insurgency and major security challenges, that means he controls law and order,” NC legislator Salman Sagar told reporters at the civil secretariat in Srinagar.“More importantly, transfers and promotions of IAS officers are also under his authority, which effectively gives him control over the administrative machinery. This hampers the day-to-day functioning of the elected government,” he added.Sagar said the government was paralysed and unable to address public grievances because of the dual power centre, and that restoration of statehood — promised by both the PM and the Union home minister — was the only way to resolve the governance deadlock. “Even after electing a government, if people’s issues remain unaddressed, it will only add to their frustration,” he said.LG Sinha had on Saturday said he had no authority over development-related departments and that the responsibility for governance lay with the elected government.

He made the remarks at an event after health and education minister Sakina Ittoo appealed for more support from the LG’s office. “I have the police under me, and I can provide police where needed. All other departments — roads, water, electricity, agriculture — are with the elected government,” Sinha said, adding that he would not create any obstacles in the work of ministers related to their departments.Within the government, there is growing bitterness over curtailed power.

Last week, deputy CM Surinder Choudhary had accused the BJP of undermining democracy by running a proxy government despite the people of J&K voting the NC to office.NC spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said if the LG only controlled the home department, how did he hand over an appointment letter to Pahalgam terror attack victim Syed Adil Shah’s wife last week.Other opposition parties are blaming the Omar Abdullah government for ineffective and lacklustre administration. Peoples Conference president Sajad Lone said the CM blamed dual control for the situation, but fulfilling electoral promises was in his hands. “Let him start with free electricity or free gas cylinders, or making daily wagers permanent,” Lone said.