Srinagar : Opposition legislators in Jammu and Kashmir have levelled serious allegations against ruling National Conference (NC) leaders, accusing them of undermining elected representatives and obstructing local development work. The grievances, which surfaced during the autumn session of the assembly in September, highlight growing tensions between opposition members and the ruling party regarding the administration of public funds under the Union Territory framework.
Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone, representing Handwara, and Peoples Democratic Party MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz, representing Kupwara, took to the floor of the House to voice their concerns. Both legislators specifically targeted Rajya Sabha member Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan and Nasir Aslam Wani, an adviser to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, alleging that these figures are bypassing elected officials to exert influence over constituency-level projects.
Dispute Over Legislative Privilege and Fund Allocation
The core of the controversy involves the management of Area Development and Constituency Development Funds. Sajad Lone formally requested clarification from Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather regarding the constitutional rights of MLAs, arguing that local administrative officials are prioritising the directives of unelected political figures and ministers over those of the elected representatives. Lone questioned the legitimacy of this practice, asking whether the authority to determine local development priorities rests with the elected MLA or with government-appointed advisers.
During the session, Lone expressed frustration over the situation, suggesting that opposition members have been exercising restraint to avoid complicating the broader political push for the restoration of statehood. However, he warned that if the trend of bypassing elected officials continues, opposition members are prepared to escalate the matter to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister. He emphasised that public funds are intended for the electorate rather than for the political agendas of those who have not been elected to the assembly.
Tensions Following Competitive 2024 Assembly Polls
The friction between the parties is rooted in the results of the 2024 assembly elections, which saw several narrow victories. Lone retained his Handwara seat by a margin of 662 votes against the NC’s Chowdhary Ramzan, while Mir Mohammad Fayaz secured the Kupwara seat by defeating Nasir Aslam Wani by nearly 9,800 votes. Following his electoral loss, Wani was appointed as an adviser to the Chief Minister with cabinet-rank status, a move that has become a focal point of the current dispute.
In response to the allegations, the NC leaders have defended their actions, maintaining that they are simply fulfilling their duty to address public grievances. Nasir Aslam Wani dismissed the accusations of interference, suggesting that the opposition leaders should demonstrate more political maturity. Meanwhile, Chowdhary Ramzan has previously rejected Lone’s claims, questioning the circumstances of the Handwara election results. While Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather acknowledged the concerns raised during the assembly session, the Chief Minister’s office has not yet provided a formal response regarding the complaints over fund allocation.
