Jammu, Oct 14: The Shiv Sena (UBT) has advised against expanding the cabinet in Jammu and Kashmir until the region’s statehood is restored.
According to a party statement, Manish Sahni, president of Shiv Sena (UBT) J&K welcomed the removal of President’s rule, which had been in effect for about six years. He urged the Modi government to respect public opinion and fulfill its promise of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir without delay. “The time has come for the government to act on its commitments,” he said.
At a programme held at the party’s state central office, Sahni expressed support for the return of a people’s elected government. He said the recent assembly elections had empowered the NC-Congress alliance to form a government. He specifically advised Omar Abdullah, the declared Chief Minister of the NC-Congress alliance, not to expand his cabinet before statehood is restored, warning against a political situation similar to that in Delhi.
During the event, social worker Baby Koul, Dr Bharat Gupta and several others joined Shiv Sena (UBT), with Sahni welcoming them with a traditional Shiv Bandhan, the statement said, adding that the event was attended by General Secretary Vikas Bakshi, Vice President Balwant Singh, Kamghar Wing President Raj Singh and Secretary Rajesh Jandial.
Sahni also called for the restoration of statehood and the appointment of a retired army officer as governor. He said that since Manoj Sinha took over as Lieutenant Governor on August 7, 2020, elections were conducted peacefully, but significant progress in combating terrorism has been lacking.
“There is a need for an experienced army officer to oversee the governance of this sensitive, border region, which is affected by terrorism,” he said.
