Tensions between Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha have intensified, with Abdullah expressing frustration over the lack of clarity in the division of responsibilities between their offices.
Speaking at an event in New Delhi on Monday, Abdullah highlighted the issue, stating that the presence of “two Governments” in Jammu and Kashmir is undermining effective governance.
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference escalated the matter on Tuesday by sharing Abdullah’s remarks on social media.
“Fact is, today there are two Governments in J and K, which shouldn’t be the case. It is the worst form of governance,” Abdullah said, emphasising the need for a clear delineation of roles. He noted that while he is not inclined to issue threats, “everything comes with an expiry date,” signaling growing impatience within his Government.
Abdullah criticised the Lieutenant Governor for overstepping his stated role, which Sinha has publicly limited to law and order and security.
“The fact is, he does dabble in governance-related matters,” Abdullah said, pointing to Sinha’s involvement in laying foundations for factories in industrial estates and distributing job orders, both managed by the elected Government.
He urged Sinha to endorse the business rules framed by the Cabinet, which Abdullah said align with the J and K Reorganisation Act and do not encroach on the LG’s authority over security, law and order, or officer transfers.
The Chief Minister also referenced the recent Pahalgam attack, suggesting that Sinha’s assertion of a limited role might be an acknowledgment of security lapses under his watch. “Pahalgam happened under his watch, and it seems that is his way of putting his hand down,” Abdullah remarked. He cautioned, however, that public anger over the attack should not be misconstrued as support for the events of August 5, 2019, when the region’s special status was revoked.
Abdullah stressed that the business rules proposed by his Government aim to eliminate confusion and ensure smooth governance.
“We just want to ensure that the distribution of responsibilities is clear cut and there is no confusion,” he said.