WAJAHAT SHABIR
Srinagar: MLA Tanvir Sadiq has once again stressed the urgent need to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, asserting that the current dual power structure weakens institutions and obstructs governance.
He stated that people voted with high expectations, and their mandate must be respected. The upcoming budget session, he emphasized, is a crucial opportunity to address this demand.
Commenting on the protests outside the Chief Minister’s residence, Sadiq acknowledged the public’s frustration and reaffirmed that people want their voices heard. He noted that while confrontation with the center may seem easy, his party is focused on institutional engagement.
He expressed confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks in Sonamarg signaled a potential commitment to restoring statehood. He believes that this move would help address key issues, including unemployment and the struggles of daily wage workers.
He said it is easy to fight with centre and stage protests, but the Prime Minister has himself made a commitment to the people and thus, there was no need to lock horns with the centre over the restoration of statehood.
We are hopeful that the statehood to Jammu and Kashmir will likely be restored in the upcoming budget session, he said.
On the budget, Sadiq assured that all stakeholders would be consulted to ensure an inclusive financial plan. He admitted that J&K’s treasury has faced challenges but maintained that the new budget would focus on resource management without imposing additional burdens on the people. He stated that this would be a budget for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting their needs and aspirations.
As the Parliament session approaches, Sadiq reaffirmed his party’s commitment to advocating for statehood. He emphasized that they will continue pushing for the restoration of people’s rights and will closely monitor budgetary allocations to ensure they benefit the citizens of J&K. “We are hopeful that this time, the government will listen,” he said.
Also, he said that Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for the MLAs will be Rs 40 crore each. “This has been promised by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to all the MLAs from NC as well as from the opposition. The proposal in this regard will be submitted soon,” he said.
