Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha challenged Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s criticism, stating he would resign if less than 75% of people acknowledged progress in the region over the last five years.
Speaking at Aaj Tak’s ‘Panchayat’, Sinha proposed a secret ballot to assess public sentiment after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Sinha was responding to Gandhi’s remarks, where he compared the LG’s leadership to that of a king exploiting local wealth by outsourcing contracts. Gandhi made the comments during an election rally in Banihal, accusing the administration of favouring outsiders.
Sinha dismissed the criticism, stating that regardless of which party forms the next government in J&K, his support would remain unchanged. He emphasised that in Union Territories, Lieutenant Governors are empowered to govern, and the upcoming elections would be free and fair.
He also credited record voter turnout in the recent Lok Sabha polls to the people of JK realising their future lies with India, following a history of interference from Pakistan. Jammu and Kashmir saw a 58.46% voter turnout, the highest in 35 years.
Sinha reiterated that Article 370 was no longer part of the Constitution and noted that the Supreme Court upheld its abrogation.
