On the eve of the swearing-in of National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah as Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha spoke about how his role would now be re-defined and the relationship between the newly elected legislature and Raj Bhavan. Excerpts from his interview Tuesday to The Indian Express:
The first takeaway is that militancy is on its last leg in J&K. The candidates and their supporters campaigned till well past midnight in many places. The voters who did not want to talk about India earlier, participated wholeheartedly in the election and supported the Constitution.
The second takeaway is the fact that, following the three phases of polling, there was not a single re-poll ordered, there were no allegations of rigging and, most importantly, it was a violence-free election.
Another takeaway is how after a long, long time, people gave their votes “jam ke” (in large numbers) and this was evident from the high polling percentage.
A day before swearing-in, what is your message for the new Chief Minister and the newly elected MLAs?
My message is that now that the janata has given the mandate, the elected representatives should fulfill their promises to the people of J&K to provide peace, prosperity and development. In fulfilling this goal, all my support will be with the new Government. My message to the new MLAs is one of congratulations and that they should strive to give the maximum financial viability and stability to the Union Territory. They should run a Government for the common man and woman of J&K on the principles of peace, prosperity and development.
The UT Assembly has very limited powers. How will you empower the new Chief Minister?
The mandate for the Union Territory is one for “vikas” (development) and for maintenance of law and order. That is what I, too, have to ensure. My obligation will be to ensure that no section of society is deprived of development and I hope the elected Government will act accordingly.
After four years in Raj Bhavan, how will you redefine your role as LG when there is an elected Government in place?
I feel (that) the Constitution and the States Reorganisation Act have clearly defined the role of the Lieutenant Governor as well as that of the Chief Minister. The powers and duties are defined. So we will work accordingly. What the States Reorganisation Act has stated, the Constitution says the same thing. So it’s the same goal: to work judiciously for the peace, prosperity of the people, and development of J&K.
In the Union Territory of Delhi, however, we witness a constant tussle between the L-G and the CM. The latter frequently complains about not being able to take decisions or make appointments. How do you prevent a similar situation playing out in J&K?
All this can be dealt with. Together, we will resolve such issues. I have been in J&K for four years and a lot of work has been done and now much more has to be done. I don’t expect it (any tussle). And, at least, I will not do anything that will cause a situation of confrontation. From my side, there will be no cause for confrontation.
The Centre has said that once this election was over, statehood for J&K will come at an “appropriate” time. When do you think that will be?
I cannot comment on the timing. After all, it is the Prime Minister who has said statehood will be restored while he was campaigning in Srinagar. And the Home Minister has said in Parliament that Statehood will be given to J&K at an appropriate time. So where is the question? What I am happy about is that developments are taking place in the same sequence as they have been promised: first delimitation, then elections, and, finally, statehood.
What about the long overdue elections to the Panchayats and local bodies…. When will they be held?
These will be held very soon. But there were and are other factors as well. The Parliament passed the Bill for reservation for OBCs in J&K local bodies. Then there are other factors like availability of forces and the intensity of the approaching winter. But these elections will be held on a priority basis.