Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India]: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed Para on Tuesday criticized Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s address at the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s Budget Session as a mere “routine document” that failed to address critical issues such as unemployment, job guarantees, and political prisoners.
Para expressed disappointment, stating:
“After a long time, a government has been formed in J-K; we had hopes that as per the aspirations of the people, the promises NC had made to people in its manifesto, it would be reflected in their vision document. Unfortunately, this looks like a routine document of LG, which is being presented for the last five years. Unemployment, job guarantees act, political prisoners, nothing was spoken on those issues.”
He emphasized that the address did not touch upon the political concerns of Jammu and Kashmir, which he described as “very disappointing.”
LG Manoj Sinha’s Address: Key Highlights
LG Manoj Sinha addressed the inaugural session of the J-K Legislative Assembly’s Budget Session on Monday, emphasizing his government’s commitment to statehood for the Union Territory and active engagement with all stakeholders to facilitate this process.
He described the budget as representing a new era of participatory governance, ensuring that the needs and aspirations of the common people are prioritized in policy-making.
Sinha stated:
“Our government is steadfast in its commitment to the Union Territory’s statehood and is actively engaging with all stakeholders to facilitate this process.”
Omar Abdullah Praises Former PM Manmohan Singh
During the assembly session, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took a moment to praise former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his contributions to India’s economic growth and welfare initiatives such as Indira Awas Yojana and MGNREGA.
Abdullah highlighted Singh’s role during the economic crisis as Finance Minister and credited him for ending the license raj, which paved the way for the growth of the private sector.
He recalled a memorable incident showcasing Singh’s humility:
“I remember I wrote a letter to him (Manmohan) on some issue, and I gave an interview on that issue. But I didn’t mention the letter; there was an issue that protocol has been broken. He called me and said, ‘This is not right; you addressed the issue in the press.’ I told him I have not done that… but after 15 minutes, he called back and apologized… He was PM, didn’t need to do so.”
Abdullah also cited Singh’s parting words at his farewell press conference:
“Manmohan, in his last press conference, said, ‘History will be a better judge of me than contemporary times.’ All world leaders respected him.”
Key Points of Discontent:
- Lack of Focus on Key Issues:
- Waheed Para: Criticized LG’s address for not addressing unemployment, the job guarantees act, and political prisoners.
- Expectation: A vision reflecting the aspirations of the people and the promises made in the NC’s manifesto.
- Statehood and Governance:
- LG Sinha: Reiterated commitment to restoring statehood and promoting participatory governance.
- Challenge: Opposition demands more focus on urgent local issues.
- Homage to Manmohan Singh:
- Omar Abdullah: Praised Singh’s economic policies and personal humility.
- Message: Acknowledged Singh’s legacy in Indian politics and governance.
Outlook:
The opposition’s criticism suggests a growing demand for more concrete actions on unemployment and political issues in Jammu and Kashmir. The focus on statehood by LG Sinha and the homage to Manmohan Singh indicate a balancing act between addressing local aspirations and showcasing national leadership legacies.