The Diplomat Desk
Srinagar,(TDD) Jammu and Kashmir Congress President, Tariq Hameed Karra, on Monday criticized the Lieutenant Governor’s authority to nominate five members to the newly formed Assembly, calling it both “unconstitutional” and “undemocratic.”
In response to a query about the Lieutenant Governor’s nomination power, Karra said the Indian Constitution stipulates that even the President cannot make arbitrary nominations to the Rajya Sabha without the advice of a government represented by the Cabinet.
Karra expressed concerns over what he called “arbitrary authority” vested in the Lieutenant Governor, stating, “If the Centre has empowered the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to nominate five members to the new Assembly, it clearly contradicts constitutional principles and democracy.”
He further questioned the logic, asking, “How is it possible for a Lieutenant Governor to have such powers when even the President of India is bound by constitutional limitations?”
When asked about possible collaboration with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to form a government, Karra reiterated his stance, saying, “From day one, we have kept our doors open to anyone—individuals, organizations, or political parties—who share the goal of removing the BJP from power in Jammu and Kashmir.”
On the topic of recent exit polls published by various media outlets, Karra remarked, “Exit polls can sometimes be accurate, but often, their projections are questionable or manipulated.” He added, “We believe in actual results rather than exit poll predictions.” (TDD)
