Mounting Opposition in Jammu and Kashmir Against Empowering Lieutenant Governor

Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir are strongly opposing the Centre's decision to grant more powers to the lieutenant governor, particularly concerning police and all-India service officers. Parties argue this move disempowers J&K's citizens and undermines democratic governance. Calls for collective opposition have been made across the political spectrum.

The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir saw considerable agitation on Saturday, as multiple parties vocally opposed the Centre's decision to increase the powers of the lieutenant governor, particularly in matters related to the police and all-India service officers.

The National Conference (NC) and People's Democratic Party (PDP) have criticized the move as one that will 'disempower' the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress party has gone so far as to call it a 'murder of democracy,' while the Apni Party has called for unified opposition to the decision.

Omar Abdullah, NC's vice-president and former chief minister, argued that the people deserve better than a powerless chief minister who would need to depend on the lieutenant governor even for minor administrative tasks. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the Centre aims to reduce J&K’s Assembly to a mere municipality without real power.