‘No Permission, No Consultation’: CM Slams LG Admin Over Bulldozer Action

Srinagar, Nov 28: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Lieutenant Governor-led administration, alleging that the recent demolition drive carried out by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) was part of a deliberate conspiracy to malign the elected government. His remarks came a day after several structures, including the home of journalist Arfaz Ahmad, were bulldozed in Jammu, triggering widespread criticism and political uproar.

Speaking to reporters, Abdullah accused Raj Bhavan–posted officers of bypassing established administrative norms and exercising powers without consulting the elected dispensation. He claimed that such unilateral actions not only undermine democratic processes but also appear to be orchestrated with the intent to portray the elected government as ineffective.

“The officers posted by the Raj Bhawan are using bulldozers without permission and without even informing the concerned minister. This clearly points to a conspiracy aimed at damaging the credibility of the elected government,” Abdullah said. He added that this growing pattern highlights the urgent need for elected governments to retain control over postings of field-level officials who carry out sensitive enforcement measures.

The chief minister argued that while senior bureaucratic appointments falling under Raj Bhavan’s purview may be acceptable, positions such as CEOs of development authorities and field staff must be appointed only with the approval of the elected cabinet. “Unfortunately, officers are being posted to these crucial positions without any discussion with us, and they then act at the behest of someone else. They bring out bulldozers overnight and begin demolitions at their own discretion,” he said.

Abdullah also raised concerns about possible communal bias in Thursday’s demolition drive. He demanded that JDA furnish a comprehensive list of all alleged encroachments across its land bank to clarify why only one individual was singled out. “Is this the only encroachment in Jammu? I want the full list. I want to know whether religion was a factor in choosing this particular home,” he asserted, adding that targeting “one person from one community” raises serious questions.

Taking on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s repeated assertions of non-interference in the functioning of the elected government, Abdullah said the demolition episode contradicted that claim unequivocally. “This is clear interference. Show me one file where the concerned minister was informed. There is none,” he said.

The chief minister clarified that the government does not endorse illegal encroachments but emphasized that law must be applied uniformly and transparently, not used selectively to create political narratives. He said that had the officer involved been appointed by his government, strict action would have followed. “How can such a major step be taken without the approval of the minister? This is not an error; this is a pattern. A pattern designed to discredit the elected government because some people cannot digest the election outcome,” he said.

Abdullah challenged the CEO of JDA to publish a complete list of all encroachers in Jammu to prove that the enforcement drive was not discriminatory. “Publish the names. Let the public see who all are on the list. When only one person is targeted, and that person belongs to a particular community, what should people conclude? This looks like nothing but a political conspiracy,” he said.