Home Ministry Dismisses Claims of Attempts to Curtail Powers of New Jammu and Kashmir Government

The Union Home Ministry has firmly denied any claims of reducing the authority of the future chief minister or government in Jammu and Kashmir. This response follows remarks by former chief minister Omar Abdullah, who urged officials in the region to resist any efforts to weaken the incoming government. The Ministry stated that such suggestions are entirely baseless.

Abdullah's comments on social media suggested that the BJP had conceded defeat in Jammu and Kashmir. He questioned why the chief secretary would be tasked with altering business rules to limit the powers of the chief minister and transfer them to the Lieutenant Governor. In response, the Home Minister's Office clarified that there is no proposal to curtail any powers.

Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act

The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019, enacted by India's Parliament, allows for the notification of business transaction rules. These rules were officially notified in 2020. The Home Ministry emphasised that these rules are part of a democratic process supported by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Abdullah claimed his information came from within the Jammu and Kashmir administration secretariat. He advised officers to resist any pressure that might further disempower the incoming elected government. His concerns were shared on a social media platform, where he expressed doubts about the BJP's intentions.

Election Process and Public Support

The election process in Jammu and Kashmir concluded on October 1, with a voter turnout of 63.88 per cent. The results are scheduled for release on October 8. The government highlighted that citizens participated enthusiastically in this historic election, showing strong support for a democratically elected government.

The former state was divided into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh—on August 5, 2019, under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. This division aimed to bring about administrative efficiency and development in the region.

The Home Ministry reiterated its commitment to establishing a democratically elected government in Jammu and Kashmir. They assured that there is no intention to undermine the powers of any future elected officials or governments in the region.