LG Sinha slams politicians for missing Foundation Day

‘J&K Panchayat polls soon’

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday criticised the politicians who did not attend the Union Territory Foundation Day, saying it reflected their "dual character."
"I am seeing that those who took oath as MLA of a Union Territory and often refer to the Constitution of India (are not here)," Sinha said in his address at the UT's fifth Foundation Day.
"The ground reality is that it is a UT today. When it will be made a state, and we want it to be a state, we will celebrate statehood foundation day as well. This shows their dual character," he added.
The National Conference did not attend the event, nor did People's Conference leader Sajad Gani Lone and CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, who said the administration went ahead with the programme despite people "clearly voting" against it.
The erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was turned into a Union Territory in 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370 that granted the state a special status.
Sinha said, "Jammu and Kashmir is a Union Territory. We will have to accept that reality. The PM has said in the parliament and also the Home Minister that delimitation first, elections second and then statehood at appropriate time."
The LG called the five years of the UT "an era of peace, prosperity and development."
On the delay in Panchayat and urban local bodies elections, Sinha said these polls had to be deferred due to some constitutional issues.
"The Panchayati Raj institutions and the ULBs have a big contribution in the development of Jammu and Kashmir. Due to some constitutional difficulties, those elections could not be held. There were Lok Sabha and Assembly elections and reservation for OBCs was not extended yet," he said.
"Now Parliament has passed it (OBC reservation), I am sure preparations are being made for those polls in coming days," he added.
In a post on X, LG said "Addressed J&K UT Foundation Day celebrations earlier today. Congratulated people for working tirelessly for a secure & prosperous UT. The achievements of the past 5 years of transformation is a report card of Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji's commitment to the people of J&K,".
"It's a reality that J&K is a UT today and members have taken oath & affirmed their true faith & allegiance to the Constitution. When it becomes state, we'll definitely celebrate statehood day. PM and HM has assured that statehood will be given at an appropriate time," he added.
He said a strong foundation has been laid for speedy development in all sectors.
"Today Jammu and Kashmir stands proudly on national stage- tall, self-reliant, and full of self-confidence. A strong foundation has been laid for speedy development in all the sectors. Under the leadership of PM, we've fulfilled the aspirations of the people," he said.
Manoj Sinha also talked about the investment potential of Jammu and Kashmir and said growth should reach the last person in queue.
"Our economic fundamentals are strong. Peace, stability, rule of law and time-tested democratic values make J&K UT an attractive investment destination. The confidence of investors in Jammu Kashmir is reflected in the inflows of investment in the past four years," he said.
"My dream is to see that every family is prosperous. My dream is to see Faster development of the infrastructure, industries and fruits of growth reach the last person in the queue," he added.
The LG also referred to the turnaround in Jammu and Kashmir Bank.
"J&K Bank is one of the greatest turnaround success stories of the UT. In 2019-20, the bank had reported loss of Rs.1139 cr. In FY 2023-24, it reported a profit of Rs. 1700 Cr. In current FY, J&K Bank clocked Rs. 991 Cr in profit," said.
Jammu and Kashmir has an elected government after results of assembly polls were declared earlier this month. The state was bifurcated into two Union Territories following abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Political parties in the state have been demanding early restoration of statehood.