Dual-control not good for democratic set-up
Srinagar, Dec 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Chief, Tariq Hameed Karra, said on Thursday that the party is fully committed to bringing back full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Karra mentioned Rahul Gandhi’s clear support for this cause and said Congress will continue to push for it in Parliament and at the local level to protect the democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Congress has been advocating for statehood restoration long before elections, and it is good to see that other major political parties have now joined this demand,” Karra said.
Karra voiced serious concerns over the dual-control governance system currently in place in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.
“The first casualty of this system is the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It is not good for the democratic system,” he said.
“A wrong precedent is being created, and without clear governance powers, the administrative processes in Jammu and Kashmir could be paralyzed,” he added.
Karra stated that the focus must remain on the people’s aspirations rather than political rivalries. “Our priority should be the people of J&K, not political bickering,” he said.
Karra also expressed disappointment over the lack of clarity in the division of powers between the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor.
He described the delay in framing business rules as detrimental to democracy and governance in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Karra remarked, “Failing to define the authority of the elected government and the LG, even two months after the government was formed, sets a negative precedent for a democratic setup. It undermines the principles of vibrant democracy,” he said.
He said dual control in administration has hampered governance, leading to widespread public grievances. “Dual control in the administration is causing suffering among the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
When asked about a possible conflict between the Chief Minister and the LG, Karra said only they could confirm if any such issue existed.
However, he added, “Even if there is no tussle, the dual control of government is already hitting the people, making them the primary victims of this administrative ambiguity.”
He said there is an urgent need to streamline governance and ensure that power dynamics are clearly outlined to restore effective administration in Jammu and Kashmir. (KINS/KNT)
