Bharat Singh Solanki, the Congress’ Jammu and Kashmir affairs in-charge, accused the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre of attempting to rule Jammu and Kashmir by “proxy” and avoiding assembly elections by significantly increasing the powers of the Lieutenant Governor.
Earlier this month, the Centre enhanced the authority of the Lieutenant Governor in Jammu and Kashmir, granting him broader decision-making powers on critical issues such as police, all-India services officers, and sanctions for prosecution in various cases. This move has been widely criticized by the opposition as an attempt to “disempower” the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “The BJP does not want to hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir; they want to rule by proxy. That is why they have given more powers to the L-G. Jammu and Kashmir has been made weaker than Puducherry,” Solanki told reporters in Srinagar. The Supreme Court has directed the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir “at the earliest” and mandated that assembly elections be held by September 30, 2024.
Solanki, who is in Jammu and Kashmir to attend the Pradesh Congress Committee’s political affairs committee meeting, also criticized key BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, for failing to fulfill their promises of bringing prosperity and ending terrorism in the region.
“They made promises about bringing prosperity to Jammu and Kashmir and ending terrorism, but in reality, terrorism has increased in both the Jammu and Kashmir regions,” he said.
Solanki announced that Congress leaders have invited Rahul Gandhi to visit the Union Territory. “He has accepted the invite and will continue the mission he started with the Bharat Jodo Yatra. He has instructed leaders to engage with the people and identify issues that need to be addressed,” Solanki added.
The Congress plans to initiate a mass contact programme to prepare a “people’s manifesto” for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. When asked about the Congress’ alliance with the National Conference, Solanki stated that the decision will be made based on feedback from the people during the mass contact programme.