L-G is interfering in functioning of J&K’s Information Dept., delaying ‘Business Rules’, says NC’s Tanvir Sadiq

The ruling National Conference (NC) on Thursday (July 3, 2025) said the Raj Bhavan was interfering with the functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir Information Department, creating hurdles in the approval for the appointment of the Advocate General, and causing delays in returning the ‘Business Rules’, approved by the Cabinet, for smooth governance in the Union Territory.

“Why is there interference in the functioning of the Director of the Information Department? The office of the Advocate General has been rendered non-functional since the elected government agreed to retain the same Advocate General, originally appointed by the Raj Bhavan, in October 2024,” NC leader and MLA Tanvir Sadiq said.

“The Business Rules, sent not once but twice [to the Governor] by the Cabinet, are yet to receive the necessary approval from the L-G. He needs to walk the talk,” he added.

Mr. Sadiq was reacting to a statement by L-G on his functioning in J&K. “I don’t cross the boundaries of governance. I only have control over the police,” Mr. Sinha had said earlier in the day.

There has been persistent friction between the J&K government and the Raj Bhavan ever since an elected government took over the reins of the Union Territory in October 2024.

The Omar Abdullah government in March this year forwarded the draft Business Rules to the Raj Bhavan for approval. The J&K government is mandated by the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 to prepare a draft proposal of the Business Rules for the Governor’s approval. The Business Rules demarcate the functioning of the Raj Bhavan, the Chief Minister, and the Council of Ministers. The Act grants the L-G power to control the J&K Police, and all the matters related to law and order in the Union Territory.

Meanwhile, in a letter addressed to the Raj Bhavan, NC MLA Salman Sagar urged the extension of the traditional Muharram procession from the city’s Sheeshgari Mohalla Khanyar to Chinkra Mohalla Habba Kadal. “I am hopeful that the request will be considered in good faith, and the extension will be permitted this year,” Mr. Sagar said.