Deputy Speaker post in dilemma as NC remains silent, BJP awaits proposal in LA

LoP Sunil Sharma says “Darbar Move”, an old administrative practice of shifting government offices is now obsolete

JAMMU: The situation regarding the appointment of the Deputy Speaker in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly remains uncertain.
Despite the established tradition of offering this post to the opposition, the ruling National Conference (NC) has not yet made a move to assign it to the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Leader of Opposition, Sunil Sharma, expressed disappointment at this lack of action, noting that the BJP has not received any official proposal from the NC.
Sharma also addressed the controversy surrounding Article 370, which was abrogated in 2019. He criticized the NC’s stance on Article 370, suggesting that their rhetoric around reinstating it is an attempt to mislead the public, particularly the youth.
Sharma highlighted that the Supreme Court of India upheld the central government’s decision to repeal Article 370, and the residents of Kashmir have gradually accepted this change.
In his critique of the NC, Sharma went on to accuse the party of stirring unrest among the youth in the region. He asserted that the NC has, in the past, engaged in inciting young people, particularly by promoting violent protests and stone-pelting incidents, actions that diminished following the new rule.
Sharma assured that the BJP remains committed to maintaining stability in Jammu and Kashmir and will not tolerate any efforts that could destabilize the region.
Sharma further emphasized the BJP's commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, an issue that has been central to ongoing political discourse. Both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister have promised to address the question of statehood, assuring that it will be restored at an appropriate time.
Sharma explained that this decision would require thorough discussions in Parliament, reviews from security agencies, and ultimately, presidential approval. The BJP’s stance on statehood reflects its aim to foster stability and security in the region before fully reinstating state-level governance.
Commenting on the traditional “Darbar Move”, an old administrative practice of shifting government offices between the summer capital, Srinagar, and the winter capital, Jammu , Sharma argued that it is now obsolete.
In his view, the Darbar Move has been a financial burden on Jammu and Kashmir and, in an age of digital and e-governance, no longer serves a practical purpose. Eliminating the Darbar Move would not only reduce costs but also promote administrative continuity across the region.
Sharma also spoke about the BJP’s increasing influence in Jammu and Kashmir. He noted the party’s growth, particularly in the recent assembly elections, where the BJP reportedly received the highest number of votes in the state.
This, Sharma believes, positions the BJP to fulfill its promises to the people. As the main opposition party, the BJP aims to work constructively in the Assembly to ensure that the government delivers on commitments made to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.

Updated On 11/7/2024 2:18:49 AM