J&K: Congress opposes move to nominate five MLAs before government formation, ‘undemocratic’
- In Reports
- 09:47 PM, Oct 05, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) raised objections on Friday regarding the ruling BJP’s alleged intention to secure nominations for five of its leaders to the Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, prior to the commencement of the government formation process.
The Congress termed the move as “undemocratic and against the mandate of the people,” urging the Lieutenant Governor to refrain from proceeding with such actions.
Speaking at a press conference, JKPCC vice president and chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma stated, “Polls to the 90-member legislative assembly were held and results are awaited on October 8. We express our gratitude to the people but the reports about the BJP nominating five MLAs by the LG before the formation of the government are of grave concern.”
Following the delimitation exercise in May 2022, the delimitation panel recommended the nomination of five members to the legislative assembly, with two seats reserved for women, two for Kashmiri Pandits, and one for refugees from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK).
“While the BJP held elections after 10 years only after the intervention of the Supreme Court, they amended the J&K Reorganisation Act 2019 giving powers to the LG. The new government would be a ‘limited’ democracy because the BJP government has snatched all powers from the government elected by the people, even transferring a deputy magistrate or a SP would not be possible by the chief minister,” he said.
However, he asserted that the elected representatives would initiate a campaign to reclaim their rights, including the restoration of statehood.
“While getting powers of the elected government and statehood remains an altogether different issue, the BJP is now up to another ploy to get five MLAs nominated before the government formation, which would be anti-democratic,” said Sharma.
The Congress leader said if the BJP proceeded with the move, it would be an attempt to defeat the mandate of the people. “Although the Congress – NC alliance will get comfortable majority to form the government but any such exercise before government formation would be contrary to the democratic norms and would be a betrayal of the mandate of the people,” he said.
He emphasised that the people have cast their votes to elect representatives to form the government. He also noted that the Congress party had supported the idea of providing reservations for PoJK refugees, Kashmiri Pandits, and other minorities through the electoral process to ensure their representation.
In response, J&K BJP chief Ravinder Raina categorically rejected the Congress’ claims.
“Nomination of the five MLAs would be purely in accordance with the provisions of the J&K Reorganisation Act 2019. Whatever procedure is mentioned in the act to nominate the MLAs would be followed in letter and spirit. None is above the rule of law,” said Raina.
“Desperation and frustration on the part of the Congress is because they are on a sticky wicket and they know that they have lost the polls. Congress is going to lose these elections badly,” he added.
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