Centre's overreach stifles J&K democracy and autonomy

The union territory faces federal erosion as Centre delays governance and statehood restoration

- S N M ABDI

Nowhere is the threat to democracy and federalism in India more imminent than in Jammu & Kashmir. Though elections were recently held in J&K – a full-fledged state until 2019, when it was downgraded to a Union Territory – the arrogance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government and the BJP continues to undermine federal principles in this geopolitically sensitive region bordering Pakistan and China.

Two months after the elections, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah finds himself powerless and uncertain about J&K's future. Despite a clear mandate for the National Conference-Congress alliance and the BJP's crushing defeat, governance remains concentrated in the hands of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the army, paramilitary forces, and an extensive intelligence apparatus. The situation remains unchanged from the pre-election status quo, with the Centre delaying the formulation of governance rules.

Under the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the LG holds ultimate authority. Delhi's deliberate postponement of the Rules of Business framing effectively keeps the Chief Minister's Office powerless. Though Abdullah took the oath of office on October 16, presided over by none other than LG Sinha, he has yet to exercise any real authority.