Srinagar, Nov 2, KDC: In a fresh sign of discontent within the ruling National Conference (NC), 18 party legislators have submitted a 10-point memorandum to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, seeking a Cabinet reshuffle, replacement of his Advisor, an independent examination of corruption allegations and a series of governance and organisational reforms.
A purported copy of the memorandum, dated October 30, accessed by news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC), raises concerns over a growing disconnect between public expectations and the functioning of the NC-led government, alleged lack of accountability and inadequate consultation with elected representatives on key policy and political matters following the completion of two years in office.
Seeking urgent corrective measures, the legislators have proposed the constitution of a high-level Manifesto Implementation Committee with adequate representation of elected MLAs to monitor progress, identify bottlenecks and ensure time-bound fulfilment of the party’s election promises.
On the political front, they have called for intensifying the struggle for restoration of full statehood and protection of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional identity through public meetings, protest rallies, seminars and other democratic means, including taking the campaign to Parliament.
The memorandum also seeks implementation of the resolutions and assurances emerging from the earlier Dachigam meeting. The legislators have called for an impartial examination of concerns relating to governance, administrative functioning and alleged misuse of public resources, with accountability to be fixed wherever wrongdoing is established.
One of the key demands concerns the restructuring of the Council of Ministers. The MLAs have sought an objective review of the performance of all Ministers and replacement of those found to be non-performing with a fresh team to improve efficiency and restore public confidence.
They have specifically demanded that the Roads and Buildings Department be withdrawn from the portfolio of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and reassigned. Referring to allegations of misconduct and large-scale corruption against him, the legislators have sought an independent and impartial examination, followed by appropriate action wherever wrongdoing is established.
The signatories have also called for discontinuing the present advisory arrangement of the Chief Minister, alleging that it has contributed to a disconnect between the party leadership, elected representatives and the government. They have proposed that a suitable replacement be appointed to improve coordination, consultation and accountability.
To ensure greater participation of elected representatives in decision-making, the legislators have proposed a consultative advisory group comprising three to four experienced MLAs. The group would regularly engage with the Chief Minister on government programmes, policy decisions, welfare schemes, developmental priorities and other public welfare matters.
The memorandum further seeks the constitution of a high-powered disciplinary committee to examine complaints and address instances of indiscipline among Ministers, MLAs and other party functionaries, irrespective of their position or influence.
On the organisational front, the legislators have proposed a professionally managed and adequately empowered Media and Communication Cell to publicise the government’s achievements, disseminate factual information and counter what they describe as misinformation and propaganda by opposition parties.
They have also called for comprehensive organisational reforms, revitalisation of the party structure and the establishment of a dedicated Election Cell to assess political developments and prepare the organisation for future electoral challenges.
Another proposal is to convene meetings of the State Working Committee at least once every two months. The meetings, they said, should provide a structured platform to review government performance, assess implementation of party commitments and discuss organisational and political concerns.
In their concluding submission, the legislators maintained that the proposals were aimed at strengthening the government and the party rather than weakening the organisation.
They urged Omar Abdullah to take the collectively adopted resolutions seriously and initiate corrective measures at the earliest, saying the completion of two years in office offered an opportunity for introspection, course correction and renewed commitment to the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. (KDC)