Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Apr 5: Chief Whip of the Congress party in the Legislative Assembly, Nizamuddin Bhat, today said that the Centre should not bypass the elected Government in matters related to Jammu and Kashmir.
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Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, Bhat said that while the Centre is well aware of its jurisdiction and does not need advice there, taking the elected Government on board remains a “constitutional prerogative.”
“I urge the Home Minister to remember that a popular Government is in place in J&K, and nothing should be done by bypassing it-be it any initiative, action, review, or even input of information,” he said.
Bhat emphasized that the J&K Government must be consulted on such matters because, he said, it is a constitutional prerogative, “as well as ethically, morally, politically reasonable, and obligatory.”
Regarding the emergency meeting of alliance partners called by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Congress leader said that whatever was decided there has the party’s support and that it would continue to support the leader of the house in the future course of action.
Commenting on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s reaction to the row over the transfer of an officer, Bhat said it would be more appropriate for the Chief Minister to respond.
However, he suggested that the alliance partners should meet regularly in a coordinated manner.
“We advise that whenever there is any development that could cause fissures within the alliance, regular and coordinated meetings should be held, and whatever aligns with ethical politics should be followed,” he added.
On the protest held at the AICC headquarters-apparently by individuals associated with the Congress-against the party leadership in J&K, Bhat described them as “disgruntled elements” acting at the behest of “enemies” of the Congress.
“We want to make it clear that the disciplinary committee has already submitted a report against them, stating that they are defaming the party and violating its norms. In this regard, the party high command will take the necessary action,” he said.
It is worth noting that a meeting of district presidents and other leaders was called by the Congress high command, which was also attended by JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra and AICC General Secretary G.A. Mir.
Bhat said that these leaders conveyed the concerns of the people of Kashmir, including the political scenario in J&K, to the national leadership.
“These concerns include hurdles in the democratic process and the undermining of the Constitution in Kashmir. These issues have been brought to the attention of the party high command,” he said.
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