Now Reading: J-K Dy CM questions purpose of polls without real powers
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J-K Dy CM questions purpose of polls without real powers
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary rejected claims that the National Conference government is delaying elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions. He said the government wants polls only after statehood is restored, so elected representatives have genuine powers. Choudhary noted that under the current Union Territory arrangement, the government lacks control over police, IPS or IAS cadre.
"What is the point of holding such elections," Choudhary asked, if officers do not listen to elected sarpanches or DDC members. He accused the BJP of promising statehood at an "appropriate time" without delivering. The government has said administrative formalities like voter lists and delimitation must be completed before polls.
Choudhary made the remarks after a surprise inspection of a government hospital in Jammu. The BJP has previously accused the NC-led government of deliberately stalling local body elections.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The demand for statehood before local body polls is a strategic shift by the NC government, which had earlier committed to holding these elections. The core issue is the power asymmetry under the UT framework: elected MLAs and ministers have no authority over the police or bureaucracy, which report to the Lieutenant Governor. If panchayats are elected without these powers, they risk becoming powerless bodies. The ball is now in the Centre's court to decide on statehood, a promise made during the abrogation of Article 370. The next signal will be whether the Election Commission proceeds with delimitation and voter list revision, or waits for a political resolution.
Source: greaterkashmir.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
