GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 18th Dec. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is set to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday, with discussions expected to focus on the restoration of statehood and amendments to the Transaction of Business Rules (TBR). The rules, amended under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, have expanded the powers of the Lieutenant Governor, sparking criticism from Abdullah and his party, the National Conference.
The TBR amendments, introduced two months before the Union Territory’s Assembly elections, have been a point of contention. “The people of J&K deserve better than a powerless Chief Minister who must rely on the Lieutenant Governor for administrative decisions,” Abdullah had said earlier.
Tensions between Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha have escalated, particularly over the recent transfer of Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officers. The Chief Minister has reportedly expressed frustration over delays in file approvals and unilateral administrative decisions.
Power Struggle and Public Discontent
MLAs, including CPM’s Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami, have voiced concerns about unresolved public issues and administrative inefficiency. “We have another power center due to the business and conduct rules. This needs to change,” Tarigami stated.
However, a senior bureaucrat defended the TBR, asserting that the Lieutenant Governor is empowered by law to make decisions.
Proposed Amendments
Sources indicate that a revised draft of the TBR, aimed at clarifying power distribution, has been submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Once approved, the changes are expected to streamline governance and enhance accountability in Jammu and Kashmir.
This meeting marks the second interaction between Abdullah and Amit Shah since the former assumed office. Political parties, including the National Conference, Congress, and PDP, continue to push for statehood restoration, using the governance tussle as leverage.
The outcome of this dialogue could significantly influence the political landscape and governance structure in Jammu and Kashmir.
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