SRINAGAR: Senior National Conference (NC) leader and Member of Parliament, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, has raised serious concerns about the prospects of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, accusing the BJP of systematically undermining democratic governance in the region. In an interview with journalist Karan Thapar for The Wire, Mehdi criticised the current governance framework, claiming it marginalises the authority of an elected government and prioritises the role of the Lieutenant Governor (LG).
“The BJP has designed the system in a way that even if an elected government led by Omar Abdullah is in place, its authority would be diminished by the LG,” Mehdi asserted. “Whenever the Chief Minister convenes a meeting, the LG holds a similar one the next day, creating the impression that he is in charge,” Mehdi emphasised that the lack of clarity in the region’s business rules further deepens ambiguity in governance and contributes to a climate of uncertainty.
Mehdi accused the BJP of deliberately seeking to disempower the people of Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that its policies exhibit a disregard for the popular mandate given to the NC in the recent elections. “The BJP’s strategy is disrespectful to the democratic aspirations of the people of J&K. It undermines their mandate and seeks to weaken their political voice further.”
Urging Omar Abdullah to remain steadfast in his commitment to the people’s aspirations, Mehdi warned that failing to address these expectations could damage public trust. “Omar Abdullah must stay connected with the people’s aspirations. If he distances himself from their expectations, he risks being seen as a representative of Delhi rather than the leader of Jammu and Kashmir,” he cautioned. Mehdi underscored that the NC’s leadership would be measured by its efforts to restore statehood and Article 370.
The MP further expressed concerns over the BJP’s governance model, claiming it lacks intent to meet public expectations. “The people fear that their expectations will not be met. Omar Abdullah must lead the struggle for statehood and the restoration of Article 370, or risk being perceived as a proxy for Delhi,” Mehdi added.
Mehdi elaborated on the significance of the NC’s recent electoral mandate, calling it a decisive political statement against the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Speaking to The Wire, he said, “This mandate is more than just normal. It is a political message and a political disapproval of the decisions taken after August 5, 2019.”
Warning of the potential fallout of ignoring this mandate, Mehdi said such actions could have far-reaching consequences for the broader idea of India in Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed disappointment with the Modi government’s apparent indifference to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s attempts to engage with New Delhi. “The Modi government appears to turn a deaf ear to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Mehdi remarked.
Additionally, Mehdi criticised the prolonged delay in restoring statehood, a promise the government had made to the Supreme Court. “The delay is very worrying,” he observed, noting that the people of Jammu and Kashmir remain committed to the restoration of Article 370 and their rights under statehood. He cautioned that New Delhi’s continued inaction risks further alienating the region’s population and deepening mistrust.
Mehdi’s remarks come at a time of growing political discontent in Jammu and Kashmir, with many calling for a stronger response from the NC to address the region’s pressing concerns. His statements underscore the tension between the aspirations of the region’s populace and the policies of the central government, signalling an urgent need for reconciliation and trust-building.
