Sajid Raina
New Delhi, Dec 1: National Conference (NC) leader and Member of Parliament (MP) in Rajya Sabha, Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan on Monday said the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory has been left with “no powers” and that all the “authority” rests with the Lieutenant Governor.
Speaking during his maiden address after being elected to the Upper House, the MP, said that despite elections held in October 2024 and the formation of a new government, it was not being allowed to function independently.
“Our government has nothing in its hands. All the power is in the hands of the LG. Orders flow from there,” he said. “What is the purpose of the elected government if it has no powers to work?”
Ramzan said the people of J&K had given a strong mandate to the National Conference and expressed concern that the elected representatives were not in full control of decision-making.
Another NC MP, Sajad Kichloo urged the Prime Minister and Home Minister to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying the people had made history in the recent assembly elections.
He called on the Government of India to implement the mission outlined by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, based on the principles of “Jamhooriyat, Insaaniyat, and Kashmiriyat”.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated Sajad Kichloo on beginning a new phase in his political career. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those from the Chenab Valley, will look to him and watch closely as he represents their aspirations,” he said.
Abdullah also extended his best wishes to Gurwinder Singh Oberoi, also known as Shammi Oberoi, on his first day in the Rajya Sabha. “You carry many hopes and expectations on your shoulders,” he said.
Earlier on Monday, the newly elected Rajya Sabha members were administered an oath of office by Vice President and ex officio Chairman of the House, C. P. Radhakrishnan.
Kichloo was the first to take the oath, choosing Urdu as his language. He was followed by Oberoi, who took the oath in Punjabi. Ramzan took his oath in Kashmiri after Oberoi. (KNO)
