National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today lashed out at the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, accusing him of assuming the role of a spokesperson of the Raj Bhavan instead of performing his constitutional duty as a representative of the people.
In a strongly-worded statement issued here, Sadhotra said that by defending the indefensible on issues of governance and dual control in this sensitive part of the country, the LoP has only exposed his party’s misplaced priorities and lack of concern for the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Instead of questioning the administrative confusion and lack of accountability that have crippled governance, Sharma appears more interested in justifying the Raj Bhavan’s decisions, as if he were its official spokesperson, he added.
The NC Additional Gen Secretary said the LoP’s remarks are unbecoming of someone holding such a vital constitutional position and reflect a naïve understanding of Jammu and Kashmir’s political and administrative complexities. By trivialising the historic contribution of the National Conference since its inception and particularly during the post-terrorism era,Sharma has displayed both ignorance and insensitivity, he added.
Sadhotra reminded that it was the National Conference which kept the flame of democracy alive in the most difficult and violent decades of Jammu and Kashmir’s history.
“Our ministers, legislators, leaders, and thousands of dedicated workers became the fodder of terrorism in the 1990s, laying down their lives to defend the democratic and secular fabric of this land. For the LoP to belittle that contribution is not only disrespectful but also reflective of a dangerous political shallowness, he said.
Taking a dig at Sharma for questioning the efficacy of the demand for restoration of statehood, Mr. Sadhotra said that the LoP now stands completely exposed. By casting doubts on the importance of full statehood, he has indirectly endorsed the
disempowerment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This goes against the very spirit of democracy and the principle of popular representation, he said, adding that it is now clear that the BJP is not for restoration of statehood as promised in Parliament and affirmed before the Supreme Court.
The former minister said that the delay in approval of business rules by the Lieutenant Governor has created a vacuum in governance, with confusion prevailing between the elected representatives and the bureaucracy.
“Had the LG approved the business rules, it would have ensured seamless governance and a clear demarcation of authority between the political executive and the administration. The LoP should have raised this issue vociferously inside and outside the Assembly instead of defending the status quo,” Mr. Sadhotra said.
He urged the Leader of Opposition to introspect and act responsibly, reminding him that his foremost duty is toward the people of Jammu and Kashmir in general and the Jammu region in particular which has mandated the BJP hugely in the assembly and Lok Sabha Elections in 2024, not toward the Raj Bhavan.
“This region needs strong voices to restore democratic institutions, ensure accountability, and protect the rights of its people. The National Conference will continue to play that constructive role, undeterred by such misplaced posturing,” Mr. Sadhotra added.
