||Black and White Digital News ||

||October 07,2024 ||

Srinagar: With Jammu and Kashmir on the cusp of a crucial political shift, National Conference (NC) Chief and former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah has issued a stern warning against any potential interference by the Lieutenant Governor (LG) administration in the formation of the new government. His comments come on the eve of the vote counting scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, which is expected to determine the region’s political future.

Speaking at his residence in Srinagar, the veteran politician expressed strong opposition to reports suggesting that the Lieutenant Governor might nominate five Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) as part of the government formation process. “LG sahib should keep himself away from these things,” Dr. Abdullah asserted, underscoring that an elected government should be formed following the democratic mandate of the people.

Threat of Legal Action Against Interference:

In a move that signals the seriousness of the situation, Dr. Abdullah declared that if the Lieutenant Governor intervenes in the legislative process, the National Conference would not hesitate to seek legal recourse. “If LG intervenes, we will go to the Supreme Court against the move,” he warned. His comments reflect a growing tension between the powers of appointed administrators and elected representatives in the region, which has seen significant political and administrative changes in recent years.

Emphasis on Democratic Mandate:

Dr. Abdullah’s statement, “No more Lord Sahib is required,” resonated strongly as he stressed the need for an elected government to serve the people without interference. “Any intervention by the LG administration in the affairs of an elected government would defeat the purpose of elections and the popular government in place,” he added, highlighting the importance of respecting the democratic mandate.

His remarks are seen as a direct response to speculations about the LG’s potential role in nominating MLAs, which could alter the balance of power in the newly formed legislative assembly. Dr. Abdullah emphasized that such moves could undermine the essence of the democratic process and create distrust among the electorate.

Alliance Prospects and Concerns Over Exit Polls:

Despite the tension, Dr. Abdullah expressed confidence in his party’s prospects. “We are confident of reaching the majority mark to form the government,” he said. He also extended an olive branch to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), indicating that both parties share a “common cause” in serving the interests of Jammu and Kashmir.

When asked about the recent exit polls, which predicted a tight contest, Dr. Abdullah maintained a cautious stance, dismissing their reliability. “Exit polls can be wrong, so I don’t rely on them,” he remarked, pointing out that the real picture would emerge only after the vote count. Nevertheless, he reiterated his optimism, stating, “We are confident that we are leading comfortably to form the next government in Jammu and Kashmir.”

Implications for the Political Landscape:

Dr. Abdullah’s strong words have set the stage for what could be a contentious post-election scenario. With legal action on the table and calls for non-interference from the LG administration, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the democratic process can proceed without administrative intervention.

Observers note that this could become a litmus test for the region’s governance, especially in a post-Article 370 scenario where the balance of power between the administration and elected representatives has often been under scrutiny. Any perceived overreach by the LG’s office could have far-reaching implications, not only for the current government formation but also for the overall political stability in Jammu and Kashmir.

As the vote counting begins on October 8, all eyes will be on the unfolding political drama in the region. With the National Conference chief vowing to defend the democratic mandate, the situation is likely to remain tense, with potential legal battles looming on the horizon if the LG administration attempts to influence the outcome.