Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, has reaffirmed the LG office’s commitment to fully supporting any government that takes effective steps to meet the expectations of the people.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, Sinha stated that his office would be ready to provide complete assistance to such a government.
Sinha also addressed the upcoming local bodies elections, indicating they will take place once the Backward Classes Commission submits its report on OBC reservation, necessary security forces are available, and weather conditions improve.
Responding to a question about the relationship between the LG office and the future chief minister, Sinha emphasized that every elected government aims to fulfill the people’s needs, and his office would be in full cooperation.
He also commented on the opposition from Congress regarding the nomination of five MLAs to the J-K assembly, stating that in a democracy, anyone has the right to protest.
Sinha referenced a precedent from Puducherry, explaining that the nomination of members to an assembly is a recognized practice. He added that any objections to this can be addressed through the courts.
The provision for nominating five MLAs is part of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
The act, which bifurcated the former state into two Union territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh—has faced opposition from the National Conference, PDP, and Congress.
Sinha also mentioned the delay in panchayat elections, citing the pending report on OBC reservations.
He stated that without the report, the elections could have been legally challenged, hence the need for an amendment in Parliament. Once the report is received, he assured, the local body elections would be promptly conducted.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has set up a commission to determine OBC seat reservations for local bodies.