National Conference Additional General Secretary and former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today described the continued denial of full statehood toJammu and Kashmir as the biggest betrayal by the BJP with the people, saying theprolonged downgrading of a full-fledged State into a Union Territory has seriouslyundermined the democratic aspirations and dignity of its people.
Addressing a public meeting at NARDANI in Jammu North Assembly Constituency,which was organized by Gourav Singh Jamwal Incharge 12 Panchayats of Youth NationalConference, Devender Raina and Karan Singh Incharge 6 Panchayats.
Sadhotra saidthe people of Jammu and Kashmir had been repeatedly assured that statehood would berestored, but the commitment remains unfulfilled despite an elected government beingin place.
Sadhotra said the commitment to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmirwas not made in some obscure political setting but was given on the floor of Parliamentand reiterated before the Supreme Court. He said the conditions cited in the past,including delimitation and holding of elections, have already been fulfilled, with theAssembly elections held nearly two years ago.
Sadhotra also expressed satisfaction over the participation of INDIA blocconstituents alongside the National Conference at the Jantar Mantar demonstrationseeking restoration of full statehood. He said the growing political unity on the issue wasa positive development and reflected the wider acceptance that statehood is ademocratic and constitutional right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the people exercised their democratic right by electing a government witha clear mandate and that mandate should have been respected in letter and spirit but theBJP’s authoritarian attitude continues to remain a stumble block.“An elected government cannot be expected to discharge its responsibilitieseffectively when important aspects of governance continue to remain subject touncertainty and dual control,” he said.
Sadhotra expressed concern over the continuing ambiguity surrounding thedivision of powers and the delay in finalizing the Rules of Business for the electedgovernment. He said the Lieutenant Governor should not become an instrument forcreating hurdles in the functioning of the government chosen by the people.
Sadhotra said the present arrangement of dual control over governance wasneither in the interest of administrative efficiency nor conducive to acceleratingdevelopment. Jammu and Kashmir needs clarity of authority, accountability andresponsibility.
When two centres of power operate in an atmosphere of uncertainty, it isultimately the common citizen who suffers, he added.He said the elected government should be allowed to function in accordance withthe mandate given to it by the people and should have adequate administrative space toimplement its policies and programmes.
Sadhotra maintained that restoration of full statehood is not merely a politicaldemand of the National Conference but a legitimate democratic aspiration of the peopleof Jammu and Kashmir.
He said statehood would restore the constitutional andadministrative framework necessary for responsive governance and greateraccountability to the people.He questioned the BJP’s continued silence on the issue despite repeatedassurances by its top leaders on restoration of statehood.“The people cannot be asked to keep waiting indefinitely for a promise that hasalready been made to them.
The BJP led Union Government should read the writing onthe wall and honour commitment to restore full statehood without further delay,” hesaid.The former Minister said the prolonged uncertainty was also affecting the pace ofgrowth and development. Important decisions concerning infrastructure, employment,public services and investment require clear institutional responsibility and anadministration that can act without ambiguity, he added.
He said Jammu and Kashmir had immense potential in tourism, agriculture,horticulture, education, industry and services, but unlocking this potential requiredstable, accountable and people-oriented governance.Mr. Sadhotra said the National Conference would continue to pursue therestoration of full statehood through democratic and constitutional means. He appealedto all political and social forces to rise above partisan considerations and push for thelegitimate demand.“Statehood is about the rights, dignity and democratic voice of the people. It cannotbe reduced to a political slogan. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve a governmentthat is empowered to govern, accountable for its decisions and answerable directly to thepeople,” he said.
Sadhotra expressed confidence that the NC cadre would continue reaching outto the people in both the regions and sub regions for seeking restoration of theirdemocratic rights and fulfilment of the demand for full statehood.Others who spoke on the occasion are Raghubir Singh Manhas, Ch Subash Chander,Tilak Raj Bhagat, Ved Prakash Sharma, Sandeep Singh Manhas, Vikram Sharma, FaquirChand, Jagdish Raj, Rashpal Chand, Ram Lal, Natha Ram Bhagat, Bansi Lal, Balram SinghJamwal, Kulwant Singh Manhas, S Gurdev Singh.Additional General Secretary and former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra in a public meetingat NARDANI in Jammu North Assembly Constituency