Sadhotra terms dual control in J&K against spirit of democracy, seeks early restoration of Statehood
Jammu, Oct 4: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Mr Ajay Kumar Sadhotra on today strongly criticized the BJP-led government at the Centre for dual control in governance in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it runs contrary to the very spirit of democracy and has eroded public faith in institutions.
In a statement, Mr Sadhotra said the ruling dispensation at the Centre has consistently degraded the level of political discourse, preferring to pursue divisive narratives to satiate its agenda rather than addressing the genuine aspirations of the people of J&K.
“Democracy thrives when elected representatives have the authority to govern and deliver. What we are witnessing today is the opposite—power concentrated in the hands of those not directly accountable to the people,” he said .
Mr Sadhotra recalled that the Centre had, both in Parliament and before the Supreme Court, made solemn assurances regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. These statements, he said, had rekindled hopes that the prolonged dark era of disempowerment would end and the people would once again become masters of their own destiny. Unfortunately, those promises remain unfulfilled, and every delay in restoring statehood deepens the sense of alienation, Mr Sadhotra added.
He asserted that denying statehood to Jammu and Kashmir amounts to a betrayal of trust with very serious consequences in a democratic polity.
“A vibrant democracy cannot be sustained on broken promises and selective empowerment. The Centre must realize that political sagacity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be taken for granted. They are fully conscious of their rights and cannot be deceived by hollow rhetoric,” Mr Sadhotra maintained.
Questioning the silence of BJP leaders and legislators from Jammu, Mr Sadhotra said it was baffling that those elected to represent the region are not rallying behind the people’s legitimate demand for statehood. They stand exposed before the people of Jammu, he added.
“What stops them from raising their voice with their central leadership? Why are they hesitant in pressing for restoration of the rights and dignity of their own people? Their silence is not only disappointing but also raises doubts about where their loyalties truly lie,” he said, adding that the BJP is mistaken in taking Jammu for granted as its sagacious people know how to teach those lessons to those who betray them through their power of vote.
Underscoring the popular demand for restoration of democratic governance, Mr Sadhotra said people want their elected representatives to govern, frame policies, and deliver on developmental priorities. Bureaucratic control cannot be a substitute for a responsive political government. It is only through representative institutions that the will of the people finds true expression, he said.
Reiterating his party’s stand, Mr Sadhotra urged the Centre to fulfill its commitments without further delay. Timely restoration of statehood is not a matter of political concession; it is a democratic right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he said, adding the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve no less than to be governed by their chosen representatives, accountable to them and working for their progress and welfare.
