Ramzan Highlights Power Imbalance in J&K Government During Maiden Rajya Sabha Speech

Chowdry Mohammed Ramzan, newly elected to Rajya Sabha, criticized the limited powers of Jammu and Kashmir's elected government, stressing that significant authority resides with the Lieutenant Governor. Ramzan's comments were made during his inaugural speech, emphasizing the need to restore statehood to J&K and address governance imbalances.

Chowdry Mohammed Ramzan, a freshly minted member of the Rajya Sabha from the National Conference (NC), has openly criticized the limited powers of Jammu and Kashmir's elected government. Speaking on Monday during his inaugural address, Ramzan underscored that most authority resides with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha rather than elected officials.

Ramzan's comments came as he, along with NC leader Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo and party treasurer Gurwinder Singh Oberoi, took their oaths following the recent Rajya Sabha elections—the first since Jammu and Kashmir's 2019 bifurcation. Highlighting a democratic mandate given by the people, Ramzan noted the substantial NC majority that paved the way for Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's leadership, now rendered ineffective due to overarching gubernatorial power.

Despite interruptions during his speech, Ramzan continued to emphasize the importance of restoring statehood and rectifying governance imbalances. The call for empowerment resonated with Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC chief Farooq Abdullah, both voicing support for the newly appointed MPs' efforts toward better governance for the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)