“Centre Undermining J&K’s Political Powers,” says Congress as PM Modi Visits J&K

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 19th Sept. The Congress party launched a strong attack on the BJP-led government as Prime Minister Narendra Modi headed to Jammu and Kashmir for rallies in Srinagar and Katra. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh raised questions about the government’s policies in the Union Territory, accusing the Centre of undermining the powers of the local political executive.

Ramesh highlighted the July 2024 amendment to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, which transferred key decision-making powers regarding police, all-India services officers, and prosecution sanctions to the Union Government-appointed Lieutenant Governor (LG). He expressed concern that these changes undermine the future J&K government’s ability to function independently.

He questioned the BJP’s sincerity about restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, pointing to the centralisation of power in the LG’s office as a contradiction. Furthermore, Ramesh criticised the BJP for its failure to gain popular support in the region, citing the party’s poor performance in recent Lok Sabha polls in the Kashmir Valley, where its proxies failed to secure a single seat.

The Congress leader also raised concerns about the lack of investment in the region, specifically in the lithium mining sector, despite the discovery of significant lithium reserves in Reasi. He attributed the lack of investor interest to the deteriorating security situation, referencing recent terrorist attacks that have claimed the lives of 12 soldiers in July 2024 alone.

As elections in Jammu and Kashmir progress, with voting for 24 seats completed in the first phase, Ramesh’s questions reflect growing criticism of the BJP’s governance in the region. Voting for the second and third phases will take place on September 25 and October 1, with results expected on October 8.