• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

LG Vs CM Over J-K Statehood: Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and UT Chief Minister Omar Abdullah engaged in a war of words over the statehood issue. Speaking at an event at SKICC in Srinagar, the LG criticised the Abdullah government. He said the lack of statehood to J-K cannot be used as an excuse for "underperformance" as the elected government has all the powers. Sinha accused the chief minister of misleading people over the issue of statehood.

Stop Fooling People: LG To CM

"You can't use the excuse that work will take place only after statehood. The government has all the powers, and I want to convey forcefully that people shouldn't be fooled. Use your authority for the welfare of the people," Lt Governor Sinha said.

ALSO READ: NDA vs Mahagathbandhan Manifesto Comparison: A Look At How Parties Rush To Win Bihar Voters' Trust With Big Promises

"Nowadays, there's a discussion about statehood... In the Parliament, the Union Home Minister had made three statements. First, he said delimitation first, second, assembly elections second, and third, statehood at the appropriate time. When the Assembly elections were held, it was clear to everyone that the elections were for the Assembly of a Union Territory. The excuse that work would be done only after statehood is granted cannot be accepted. The government has all the powers beyond that, and therefore, I want to emphasise today that we must stop fooling people and use our powers to work for the welfare of the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir," he added.

CM Abdullah Hits Back Sharply

NDTV reported that Abdullah responded to the LG's criticism to his government, asking the LG to focus on his own work. Taking a swipe at him over the Pahalgam terror attack, Abdullah said the attack, in which 26 people lost their lives, took place under the watch of the Lt Governor. The chief minister asserted the LG was responsible for security and law and order in Jammu and Kashmir when the attack was carried out. Abdullah said he knows his work and the LG should focus on his.

ALSO READ: Pune: 83-Year-Old Man Dies After Losing Rs 1.2 Crore In 'Digital Arrest'; Wife Files Case Week After Death; What Probe Found

Earlier in the day, he refused to be drawn into a war of words with Sinha over his remarks on statehood, saying he would respond only after going through the statement of the LG.

(With PTI inputs)

Also In News