BJP defends J&K L-G's decision to transfer 48 officials

IANS April 4, 2025 111 views

The BJP has strongly defended Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha's decision to transfer 48 JKAS officers, arguing it falls within his legal jurisdiction. Senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma criticized the National Conference for questioning the transfers and accused them of treating J&K as their "personal property". The transfers, conducted under the 2019 J&K Reorganisation Act, highlight the changing administrative dynamics in the union territory. The ongoing political tension reveals deeper conflicts about governance and administrative control in J&K.

"I know my limit and I will never cross it" - Manoj Sinha, J&K Lt Governor
Jammu, April 4: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday defended the decision of Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha to transfer 48 JKAS officers and criticised the National Conference (NC) for questioning the L-G's move.

Key Points

1

BJP supports L-G's transfer powers under J&K Reorganisation Act

2

National Conference challenges administrative move

3

Transfers deemed routine administrative action

Addressing a press conference here, senior BJP leader and leader of the opposition (LoP) in the legislative assembly, Sunil Sharma, defended the Lt governor's decision to transfer 48 JKAS officers, calling it "routine".

Sunil Sharma criticised the National Conference-led government for questioning the move and said that these transfers were conducted within the L-G's jurisdiction.

The National Conference-led alliance on Friday passed a resolution cautioning the Centre 'not to push the NC to the wall'.

The resolution criticised the Lt Governor's right to transfer these officers, labelling it as interference in the functioning of the elected government.

Manoj Sinha told reporters in response to NC allegations that he was within his domain while transferring these officers as he had acted within the J&K Reorganisation Act 2019 passed by the Parliament.

"I know my limit and I will never cross it," Manoj Sinha told reporters.

Sunil Sharma said under the J&K Reorganisation Act, which came into effect in October 2019, all transfers related to law and order fall under the L-G's purview.

"He has acted within his jurisdiction. These transfers are routine and in accordance with the law", he said while replying to a question on a meeting being called by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah over the issue.

Accusing the National Conference of treating J&K as its "personal property" for decades, Sharma said the ruling party has failed to acknowledge that particular 'era is over' and Jammu and Kashmir is now a Union Territory like Puducherry and Delhi, and is governed accordingly.

He also pointed out that the CM and other ministers also make transfers within their respective departments, including appointments of principals, lecturers, and other officials.

He further criticised the National Conference for failing to deliver on its promises to the people during elections.

"They have not provided 200 units of free electricity as promised. Their ration scheme is only for two years, yet they claim it will last five years. Those who are demanding statehood are doing so to gain control over transfers and industries. The people should understand whether this demand is for the welfare of the state or for personal power and influence", he said.

Sharma also condemned the alleged manhandling of former minister, Harsh Dev Singh at Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary's residence and added that such incidents reflect the frustration of the ruling party.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally some accountability in J&K administration! These transfers were long overdue. The LG is just doing his job as per the law. NC needs to stop politicizing routine administrative decisions. 👏
P
Priya M.
I'm not sure how I feel about this. On one hand, administration needs to function smoothly, but 48 transfers at once seems like a lot. Would like to see more transparency about the reasons behind each transfer.
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Amit S.
The LG has every right to make these transfers as per the Reorganisation Act. NC is just upset because their monopoly over J&K is ending. Good governance should be above party politics!
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Sunita R.
While I support the LG's authority, I hope these transfers were based on performance reviews and not political considerations. Administration should remain neutral for the benefit of all citizens.
V
Vikram J.
The BJP spokesperson makes valid points about NC's unfulfilled promises. But I wish the focus was more on development outcomes rather than just transfers. Let's see if these changes actually improve governance.
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Neha T.
As someone from J&K, I just want efficient administration regardless of who makes the decisions. Hope these transfers lead to better services for common people. The political back-and-forth is exhausting 😩

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
J&K Politics Manoj Sinha BJP National Conference Administrative Transfers Union Territory
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