Jammu, April 4 — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly defended the transfer of 48 middle-rung officers by Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha, calling it a legal and routine administrative move. The response comes in the wake of criticism from the National Conference (NC) government, which has raised objections to the transfers, viewing them as a breach of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act.
Leader of the Opposition and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma addressed a press conference on Friday, firmly stating that LG Sinha acted well within his jurisdiction.
“These transfers are routine and in accordance with the law,” Sharma said, stressing that the LG’s authority under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, implemented in October 2019, covers matters related to law and order.
NC Accused of Clinging to Past Power Structures
Sharma criticised the National Conference for opposing the transfers, accusing the party of continuing to behave as though Jammu and Kashmir is its "personal property."He pointed out that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other ministers themselves carry out transfers and appointments within their departments — including roles such as principals and lecturers — and questioned the selective outrage over the LG’s actions.“That era is over,” Sharma said, highlighting that J&K is now a Union Territory governed in a manner similar to Delhi and Puducherry.
Broken Promises and Statehood Demands Under Fire
Taking a swipe at the NC’s performance, Sharma alleged that the party has failed to deliver on its electoral promises.Sharma also questioned the intent behind NC’s demand for restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, suggesting it was a ploy to reclaim control over bureaucratic appointments and local industries.“They promised 200 units of free electricity but haven’t delivered. Their ration scheme is for only two years, yet they claim it will last five,” he said.
“The public should ask whether this demand is for their welfare or just for political power and influence,” he added.
BJP Condemns Alleged Assault on Harsh Dev Singh
Addressing another controversy, Sharma condemned the alleged manhandling of former minister Harsh Dev Singh at the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary. He said the incident was a sign of the ruling party’s growing frustration.Amit Shah to Visit J&K for Security Review
Also present at the press conference was J&K BJP chief Sat Pal Sharma, who announced that Union Home Minister Amit Shah will begin a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on April 6.He also praised the BJP-led Centre for the successful passage of the Waqf Bill in Parliament, calling it a major legislative achievement.“He will review the security situation and chair official meetings,” Sat Pal Sharma said.
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