Jammu and Kashmir's Electoral Future Hinges on Awaited Report

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assures support for a government that meets people's expectations in Jammu and Kashmir. Local body elections await a report on OBC reserved seats. Amid opposition, Sinha reaffirms democratic values and legal provisions under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has pledged that the Jammu and Kashmir government will have full backing from his office if it takes steps to meet the expectations of the people. He made this statement in a Monday evening interview with PTI, emphasizing readiness to support any elected government committed to fulfilling public aspirations.

Sinha noted that the local bodies' elections in the Union territory are currently contingent on the reception of a report from the backward classes commission concerning reserved seats for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs). He specified that elections would be organized once weather conditions and security force availability are deemed appropriate.

Despite opposition from the Congress and other parties regarding the nomination of MLAs to the Jammu and Kashmir assembly, Sinha defended the process by citing legal precedents and constitutional validity under the State Reorganization Act. The Lieutenant Governor reiterated that those opposing this approach could pursue legal recourse.

(With inputs from agencies.)