Jammu, Apr 21: Former DDC Suchetgarh Taranjit Singh Tony launched a sharp and hard-hitting attack on the administration over the reported restriction on entry of former DDCs and ex-corporators into the Jammu Civil Secretariat, calling it a “direct assault on democratic representation.”
In a strongly worded statement, Tony said the move has effectively shut the doors of governance on grassroots representatives who were elected by the people. “If former DDCs and corporators are stopped at the gates, it clearly shows that this government does not want to hear the voice of the common people,” he said.
He questioned how public grievances would reach the authorities if those who represent people at the grassroots are denied access. “These representatives are the first point of contact for the public. If they cannot approach the Secretariat, then how will issues related to development, welfare, and basic services ever reach the corridors of power?” Tony asked.
Targeting the disparity in access, he said, “Former MLAs are being given smooth passage into the Secretariat, but former DDCs and corporators are being stopped. Are they not elected representatives? Were they not chosen by the people? This selective approach exposes the double standards of the administration.”
Tony termed the restrictions as “unjustified, discriminatory, and anti-people,” adding that it reflects a failure of governance. “Instead of strengthening democratic institutions, the government is weakening them by sidelining grassroots voices. This is nothing but an attempt to centralise power and avoid accountability,” he alleged.
Raising serious questions on security and administrative intent, he said, “If security is the excuse, then why is it not applied uniformly? Why target only certain categories of public representatives? This clearly indicates a flawed policy and lack of transparency.”
He directly questioned Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, asking him to clarify the government’s stand. “Is this the model of governance you promised? Silencing elected voices and restricting access? The Chief Minister must answer why those who raise people’s issues are being deliberately blocked,” he said.
Tony also urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to take immediate cognisance of the issue. He called upon both the LG and the Chief Minister to direct the DGP and other security agencies to review and reconsider what he termed a “self-styled and unjustified order.”
“Both the LG and the elected government must ensure that security arrangements do not become a tool to suppress democratic access. The DGP and concerned agencies should be instructed to revisit this decision in the larger public interest,” Tony said.
He demanded immediate intervention and rollback of the restrictions. “The government must act without delay and restore full access to former DDCs and corporators. Denying them entry is equal to denying people their voice,” he asserted.
He warned that such decisions will only widen the gap between the government and the public. “A government that shuts its doors to its own elected representatives cannot claim to be working for the people,” Tony added.