DDC Chairman Kupwara slams marginalization of elected representatives

Kupwara, Jun 15: Chairman of the District Development Council (DDC) Kupwara, Irfan Pandithpuri has condemned the increasing sidelining of elected grassroots institutions in Jammu and Kashmir, accusing the current dispensation of weakening the foundations of the Panchayati Raj system.
Pandithpuri voiced deep concern over the ongoing practice of preparing developmental plans solely through Members of the Legislative Assembly , without any consultation with the DDC council or the Gram Panchayats. “This is not governance, this is political maneuvering. MLAs are framing plans unilaterally based on political calculations, not public needs. This completely sidelines the democratic process at the grassroots,” he said.
He warned that allowing plans to be prepared solely by MLAs—many of whom have their own political interests—will end up marginalizing vast sections of the population, particularly those from rural and backward areas. “When development planning becomes centralized in the hands of a few political actors, the voice of the common man is silenced. Gram Panchayats, DDCs, are being reduced to ornamental roles, which is a dangerous betrayal of the people’s trust,” he stated.
The chairman lamented that the very system that empowered people across Jammu and Kashmir through the introduction of a three-tier Panchayati Raj structure is now being dismantled in practice. “Under the previous regime led by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, DDCs were given a pivotal role in planning and monitoring. Today, that structure is being hijacked by top-down, MLA-centric planning,” Pandithpuri added.
Appealing directly to Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, he said: “I urge the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor to take immediate steps to restore the dignity, authority, and relevance of the DDCs and Panchayati Raj Institutions across Jammu and Kashmir. The people voted us into office with hope—we cannot allow that mandate to be mocked.”
Issuing a stern warning, Pandithpuri declared that if elected representatives of the DDCs continue to be cornered and ignored, a public agitation will be launched. “We will not remain silent. If necessary, we will take to the streets and lead a democratic struggle. We will fight shoulder to shoulder with the people to defend the integrity of Panchayati Raj and ensure that rural voices are not buried under political convenience,” he asserted.
The remarks have sparked renewed debate over the role of grassroots governance in the Union Territory and triggered support from several quarters, including civil society and local Panchayat leaders, who echoed concerns over the erosion of decentralized democracy.
As tension builds, pressure is mounting on the administration and newly formed Assembly to take corrective action and reaffirm their commitment to participatory governance and inclusive development. (KNS)