Delhi cooperative but statehood stalled, L-G’s interference undermines elected govt: Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has drawn a sharp line between the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and its appointed Lieutenant Governor, accusing the latter of routinely intruding into the domain of an elected government even as New Delhi, barring the unresolved question of statehood, has been largely accommodating.

Speaking at the Express Adda recently, Abdullah said the Centre’s overall conduct towards his government left him with “limited scope to complain”, but the same could not be said of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, whose role, he alleged, went far beyond security and law and order.

“In spite of repeatedly saying publicly that he is only responsible for security and law and order, that has not translated on the ground,” Abdullah said. Several institutions that should have moved under the elected government after the Assembly elections, he added, remain firmly under the L-G’s control.

Citing specific examples, Abdullah pointed to the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation, which falls under the Power Ministry he heads but is chaired by the L-G. “I was chairman of that corporation when I was Chief Minister earlier. He shouldn’t be,” Abdullah said.

He also flagged the continued role of the L-G as chancellor of state universities, chairman of cultural academies, and head of tourism development authorities, despite tourism and culture being handled by the elected government.

“Somebody who says he is responsible only for security and law and order — what business does he have holding a tourism development authority?” Abdullah asked, calling it “essential interference” in the functioning of an elected administration.

On relations with the Centre, Abdullah said progress had stalled mainly on two fronts — restoration of statehood and approval of business rules. Yet, he acknowledged that the Union government had extended financial support beyond budgetary allocations. “They gave more money at the end of last year than was actually budgeted, and I expect the same this year,” he said.

Statehood, however, remains a “matter of disappointment”. Abdullah criticised the absence of a clear roadmap. “We are told it will happen at the appropriate time, but nobody tells us what that means. Be honest with us — tell us what the goalpost is,” he said.

Beyond Kashmir, Abdullah voiced concern over broader democratic and pluralistic anxieties. He described as “deeply distressing” the recent incident in which Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar pulled a hijab from a student’s face during a public event, warning that such actions reflect a troubling sense of disempowerment among minorities.

On allegations of “vote chori”, Abdullah drew a distinction between questioning electronic voting machines — which he opposed — and allegations of manipulation of electoral processes. “If it means fiddling with voter lists or constituency boundaries, then yes, we have a problem,” he said, alleging that the recent delimitation exercise in Jammu and Kashmir was designed to benefit the BJP.

Abdullah also acknowledged the reality of radicalization in parts of society but argued that it cannot be divorced from an increasingly hyper-nationalist political climate. “You can’t expect no reaction at all,” he said.

On the possibility of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, Abdullah left the door open. “Why not? Situations change. It will require a change of government at the Centre — one that is better disposed towards us,” he said.

On a personal note, the Chief Minister admitted to deep unease with his current designation. “I find it very difficult to use the words ‘Union Territory’ and ‘Jammu and Kashmir’ in the same sentence,” Abdullah said. “If anything, I hate being reminded that we are a Union Territory.”