‘NC Backing BJP’s Agenda’: Opposition Slams L-G’s Address
Srinagar 03 March 2025: Opposition parties have strongly criticized Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s Address during the Budget session, which began on Monday. The address has sparked a wave of discontent among various political leaders, who accuse the National Conference (NC)-led government of aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and failing to address the pressing issues faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Mehbooba Mufti’s Criticism:
During a press conference, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti expressed her disappointment, stating that the L-G’s Address did not reflect the “difficulties and aspirations” of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. She accused the NC-led government of becoming an extension of the BJP’s agenda. “Somehow, NC leaders are in a race to legitimize the illegal and unconstitutional decisions of the BJP government,” she said.
Mufti further asserted that there was no mention of addressing the disempowerment of the people, indicating that the NC had succumbed to pressure from the BJP. “Our chief minister says he does not want to be a Kejriwal. No one is asking him to be Kejriwal but, for God’s sake, stand up for the rights and self-respect of your people. Why did the people vote for you?” she questioned.
Sajad Lone’s Remarks:
People’s Conference chief and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone echoed similar sentiments, stating that the Governor’s Address was indistinguishable from a possible BJP speech had it been in power. “There seems to be total ideological overlap. No mention, not even remotely of Article 370, Article 35A… No mention of the Reorganisation Act,” he posted on X. Lone recalled how the election campaigning had focused mainly on Article 370, yet it was conspicuously absent from the address.
Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad’s View:
Awami Ittehad Party leader and Langate MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad described the L-G’s Address as “cheating” the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “It is the government’s address. People were expecting that there will be talk of special status, but nothing was mentioned about it. It looks like that for the NC, it is a closed chapter now,” said Khursheed, brother of jailed Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid.
Bottom-Line:
The opposition’s criticism of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s Address highlights the growing discontent among political leaders regarding the NC-led government’s alignment with the BJP’s agenda. The absence of discussions on key issues such as Article 370 and the Reorganisation Act has further fueled the opposition’s accusations of the NC succumbing to BJP’s pressure. As the Budget session progresses, it remains to be seen how these concerns will be addressed and whether the government will take steps to address the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
