Central Overreach in IIOJK: How MHA’s Decision Undermines Local Democracy – Parties Call it Assault on Democracy

A fresh political storm has hit Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) after the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) claimed that the Lieutenant Governor (LG) has the sole right to appoint five members to the legislative assembly without consulting the elected government. This move has sparked strong opposition, with political parties arguing that it weakens democracy in the region, already under pressure from central control.

MHA’s Fake Justification for Nominations

The MHA argues that these appointments are a legal responsibility, not a decision that requires advice from elected officials. They claim this system is similar to practices in other Indian union territories, like Delhi and Puducherry. However, critics see this as a sinister attempt to bypass the elected government and question the fairness of allowing an unelected official to control the region’s assembly.

Political Leaders Condemn the Move

Congress leader Ravinder Kumar Sharma has filed a petition against the MHA’s position, arguing that such powers in the hands of the unelected LG undermine democracy. PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti has also strongly criticized the move, calling it an attack on democratic values. She pointed out that this practice is not seen anywhere else in India, highlighting its harmful impact on local governance.

The Impact on IIOJK’s Political Representation

The IIOJK Assembly currently has 90 elected members. With the addition of five LG-nominated members, this number would rise to 95. These nominees, including two women, two Kashmiri migrants, and one displaced person from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, are seen as a way to shift the political balance towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This move raises concerns about the integrity of the region’s democratic representation and its potential effects on power dynamics in the assembly.

NC and CPI-M’s Strong Opposition

The National Conference (NC) and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) have also joined the condemnation. NC spokesman Tanvir Sadiq criticized the MHA for ignoring the people’s mandate and warned that such actions could set a dangerous precedent. CPI-M leader M.Y. Tarigami argued that the move was part of a wider attempt to reduce the region’s political independence and increase control from New Delhi.

Legal Battle and Its Importance

The IIOJK High Court has given Congress leader Sharma more time to respond to the MHA’s affidavit. The next hearing will be on September 26, where the court will consider Sharma’s arguments. This case has the potential to shape the future of IIOJK’s political system, determining how much control the elected government will have over its own affairs.

Impact on Rajya Sabha Representation

The nomination issue also has important implications for IIOJK’s representation in the Rajya Sabha, India’s upper house. Currently, IIOJK elects four members to the Rajya Sabha, but since February 2021, it has had no representatives. There is concern that with these new LG-nominated members, the BJP could secure more seats, shifting the balance of power in Parliament and increasing its influence over national legislation.

A Broader Effort to Undermine IIOJK’s Autonomy

This nomination row is part of a larger pattern of actions since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, which removed IIOJK’s special status. Measures like delimitation and seat reservations, along with this latest move, are seen as efforts to weaken the region’s political independence and secure outcomes that favor the central government’s agenda.

The BJP’s Political Agenda

The ongoing row over nominations highlights the BJP’s broader strategy to reshape IIOJK’s political landscape. By using the LG’s power to control the assembly, the BJP seeks to strengthen its hold over the region. These moves are seen as attempts to disregard the local population’s wishes and tilt the balance in favor of central government interests.

The Road to Restoring Democracy

The situation in IIOJK shows the urgent need to restore full democratic rights and political autonomy. The legal case over the LG’s nominations represents just one part of the broader fight to protect the region’s democratic values. As the case progresses, there is hope that it will lead to the restoration of balance and respect for the democratic rights of IIOJK’s people.

Conclusion

The nomination controversy in IIOJK is a critical moment in the region’s ongoing political crisis. The MHA’s actions are seen as an effort to further undermine the region’s democratic processes and increase central control. As the legal battle continues, the future of IIOJK’s political system hangs in the balance. The growing opposition from local political parties indicates that the fight to protect democratic values and political autonomy is far from over.