JAMMU: Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), today voiced strong objections against the nomination of five MLAs to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly by LG, asserting that this move is unconstitutional and undemocratic. He stated that such powers lie solely with an elected government and cannot be exercised by the Lieutenant Governor (LG) in the absence of an elected body.
In a statement issued here today, the senior NC leader said that as per the constitution it is the prerogative of the elected government to nominate MLAs, not the LG. Reiterating his stance, Rattan Lal Gupta explained that all legislative powers, including the authority to nominate MLAs, shift to the government after elections. "In a democratic setup, the elected government must have the authority to make these nominations. The LG, though part of the administration, does not have the constitutional right to take such decisions in the presence of an elected government," he said.
Accusing the BJP of resorting to unethical practices, the senior NC leader said, "Having lost the Assembly polls, the BJP has now turned to desperate measures, including indulging in horse-trading by approaching independent candidates. This tactic reflects their unwillingness to respect the democratic will of the people and their attempts to manipulate the political landscape in their favor. Instead of accepting the mandate of the electorate, the BJP is actively working behind the scenes to sway independent representatives and subvert the electoral process, he said, adding that such actions undermine the very foundation of democracy and erode public trust in fair governance.
He asserted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve a government that is chosen by their votes, not one cobbled together through questionable deals and backdoor alliances. The Provincial President emphasized that the National Conference remains committed to upholding the constitutional and democratic processes and warned against any actions that undermine these principles in Jammu and Kashmir.
