KISHTWAR, Nov 10: Senior National Conference leader and Chenab Valley Regional Spokesperson Ajeet Bhagat has strongly criticised the continued delay in restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the absence of full statehood has weakened the elected government and deprived people of their democratic rights.
In a press statement issued here, Bhagat said that the present administrative arrangement has left the elected government without adequate powers to function effectively. He observed that people of Jammu and Kashmir voted for an elected government with the expectation that it would address their concerns and fulfil their aspirations, but the lack of full statehood has restricted its authority.
Bhagat said that an elected government must have sufficient constitutional and administrative powers to govern effectively. Without these powers, even an elected administration faces difficulties in implementing policies, taking important decisions and responding to public grievances.
He further stated that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been deprived of several rights and privileges enjoyed by citizens in other states of the country. He said that the region had earlier enjoyed greater administrative and political authority, and the continued delay in restoring statehood has further weakened the democratic framework.
Demanding the restoration of full statehood without further delay, Bhagat said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve the same democratic rights and constitutional status as citizens of other states. He emphasised that statehood should not be reduced to a merely symbolic announcement but must come with meaningful legislative, administrative and decision-making powers.
The senior National Conference leader warned that any incomplete restoration of statehood would fail to address the genuine concerns of the people. He said that the restoration process must ensure that the elected government is empowered to function independently and fulfil the mandate given to it by the electorate.
Bhagat also expressed hope that the Central Government would respect the democratic aspirations of the people and take concrete steps towards restoring full statehood. He maintained that the people and their elected representatives would continue to raise their voices until their legitimate rights are fully restored.
He reiterated that restoring full statehood is not merely a political demand but an essential step towards strengthening democracy, accountability and public participation in the governance of Jammu and Kashmir.