Srinagar: Major political parties in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have united in opposition against the Indian government’s recent decision to grant expanded powers to the Lieutenant Governor. The move has sparked widespread concern over the diminishing role and influence of local democratic institutions.

According to Kashmir Media Service, leaders from the National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Indian National Congress have criticized the decision as detrimental to the autonomy and democratic rights of the people in IIOJK. NC Vice President Omar Abdullah remarked that the decision relegates the Chief Minister to a “powerless, rubber stamp” role, emphasizing the need for a clear commitment to restoring full statehood ahead of potential elections in the region. Tanvir Sadiq, NC chief spokesperson, labeled the action a clear misuse of power by the BJP-led government. Further, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter, Iltija Mufti, expressed that the new order would severely limit the powers of any elected government, hinting at the broader implications for governance in Kashmir. Vikar Rasool Wani, President of the Congress chapter in IIOJK, described the changes as a “murder of democracy,” pointing out that significant powers including police, law and order, and bureaucratic transfers have
now been centralized under the Lieutenant Governor.