UT With Dual Power Structure ‘Worst Form Of Govt’, Says Omar Abdullah

SRINAGAR, May 10: Omar Abdullah has termed the current Union Territory setup in Jammu and Kashmir the “worst form of government” and called for an urgent restoration of full statehood, while noting progress with the Centre on transaction of business rules.

Speaking to the reporters, Abdullah said a dual power structure in the UT, where administrative authority is divided, is a “recipe for disaster” and does not suit a region with 90 elected legislators.

He questioned the rationale of equating J&K with smaller Union Territories like Puducherry, which has only 30 MLAs, stressing that the scale and complexity of governance in J&K require full administrative control by elected representatives.

Referring to last year’s Pahalgam tragedy, the Chief Minister said excluding elected representatives from law and order matters was counterproductive and harmful for governance.

Abdullah also criticised attempts to create a political divide between Jammu and Srinagar, asserting such efforts have failed. He highlighted the restoration of the traditional biannual ‘Darbar Move’ as a key step in reducing the emotional gap between the two regions.

The Chief Minister said major institutions, including universities, Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences and the Power Development Corporation, should be under the elected government’s control.

On welfare, Abdullah said those above the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category should pay market rates for electricity instead of receiving subsidies.

Highlighting achievements of his 20-month-old administration, he cited the revival of the Darbar Move, along with initiatives like free education and bus travel for women.

On the return of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, Abdullah said their migration in the late 1980s and early 1990s was “deeply unfortunate” and stressed that their return depends on restoring a sense of security.

He credited former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for establishing the Jagti township and job quotas for migrants, adding that little progress has been made since.

Responding to questions on dynastic politics after recent developments involving M. K. Stalin, Abdullah said political lineage may open opportunities but does not guarantee success, which depends on individual performance. He also dismissed reports of an imminent Cabinet reshuffle in J&K as “absolute lies.”