J&K Congress chief criticises LG’s nominating power

Srinagar, Oct 07: A day before the assembly election results, Jammu & Kashmir Congress Chief Tariq Hameed Karra expressed cautious optimism while raising concerns about exit polls and the role of the Lieutenant Governor (LG) in nominating Assembly members.
Karra acknowledged the presence of exit polls but stressed that they do not always accurately reflect the election outcome. “Exit polls have their place, but we hope the actual results will be even better. A clear mandate has been given to our alliance,” he said.
“While exit poll projections may be correct in some areas, they can also be manipulated. We place more faith in the actual results than in exit polls,” he reinforced, expressing hope that the alliance would exceed the expectations set by these polls.
Criticising the Lieutenant Governor’s powers, Karra referred to the allocation of five seats by the LG as an overreach of authority. “The Indian Constitution does not permit arbitrary nominations, even by the President in the Rajya Sabha. The government is represented by the cabinet, and such appointments should be made on their recommendation. The arbitrary powers given to the LG are unconstitutional and undemocratic,” he asserted.
He questioned how the LG could possess powers that even the President of India does not have. “This is a clear violation of democratic norms. Such powers should not be vested in one individual,” he added.
When asked about potential alliances, particularly with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the J&K Congress chief said that no direct contact was necessary. He reiterated his long-standing position of aligning with any party or organisation aimed at keeping the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) out of power. “Every political party or organisation on the same page, wanting to prevent the BJP from gaining power, is part of our broader objective,” he remarked.
KNS