BJP Supports J&K L-G’s Action to Reassign 48 Officials
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Synopsis
The BJP has defended the Lt Governor of Jammu and Kashmir's decision to transfer 48 JKAS officers, dismissing criticisms from the National Conference. Senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma labeled the transfers as routine and within the L-G's jurisdiction, emphasizing that the era of the National Conference's dominance in J&K has ended.
Key Takeaways
- BJP supports L-G's transfer of JKAS officers.
- National Conference criticized the decision as interference.
- Sunil Sharma claims transfers are routine and lawful.
- Manoj Sinha asserts his authority under J&K Reorganisation Act.
- Public urged to discern motives behind statehood demands.
Jammu, April 4 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday stood in support of the decision made by Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha to transfer 48 JKAS officers, while also condemning the National Conference (NC) for raising objections to the L-G’s action.
During a press briefing, senior BJP figure and the opposition leader (LoP) in the legislative assembly, Sunil Sharma, characterized the Lt Governor’s move as routine and well within his rights.
Sharma admonished the National Conference-led administration for challenging this decision, asserting that the transfers were carried out under the L-G’s authority.
On Friday, the National Conference alliance passed a resolution urging the Centre to ‘avoid cornering the NC’.
This resolution took aim at the Lt Governor's ability to transfer these officials, deeming it an infringement on the operations of the elected government.
In response to the NC's accusations, Manoj Sinha stated to the press that he acted within his rights during these officer transfers as per the J&K Reorganisation Act 2019, which was enacted by Parliament.
“I am aware of my limits and will never overstep them,” Manoj Sinha told reporters.
Sunil Sharma explained that according to the J&K Reorganisation Act, effective since October 2019, all law and order-related transfers fall under the jurisdiction of the L-G.
“He has operated within his authority. These transfers are standard procedure and comply with the law,” he stated, addressing a question regarding a meeting convened by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on this matter.
Sharma accused the National Conference of treating Jammu and Kashmir as its “personal domain” for years, expressing that the party has yet to recognize that this particular ‘era has ended’ and that Jammu and Kashmir is now a Union Territory akin to Puducherry and Delhi, governed accordingly.
He also indicated that the Chief Minister and other ministers conduct transfers within their own departments, including the appointments of principals, lecturers, and other officials.
Furthermore, he criticized the National Conference for its failure to fulfill electoral promises.
“They have not delivered the promised 200 units of free electricity. Their ration scheme is only valid for two years, despite claims that it will last five years. Those advocating for statehood are doing so to regain control over transfers and industries. The public should discern whether this push is for the state's benefit or for personal gain,” he remarked.
Sharma additionally condemned the reported mistreatment of former minister Harsh Dev Singh at the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, stating that such occurrences reflect the ruling party's desperation.
