Srinagar: The elected government of Jammu and Kashmir is facing a deep sense of disquiet as Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha asserts his control over the bureaucracy with a major reshuffle, The Hindu reported.
As per the report, on Tuesday evening, while officials were engaged in Eid celebrations, the LG transferred 48 middle-rung officials from the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS), including over 12 magistrates.
This marks the first major reshuffle of JKAS officers since Omar Abdullah assumed office as the Chief Minister of JK in October 2024. Previously, the LG’s transfer orders were largely limited to Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers and deputy commissioners.
The latest transfers, however, override the proposed Business Rules of the elected government, raising concerns within the ruling National Conference (NC), which views the move as an attempt by the LG to strengthen his grip over the bureaucracy.
In March 2025, the JK government drafted the Business Rules and submitted them to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for approval via the LG’s office. These rules aimed to give the elected government greater authority over appointments, particularly regarding deputy commissioners and JKAS officers, to ensure the smooth implementation of its policies. However, the LG’s latest decision undermines this effort, further intensifying the ongoing power struggle between the Chief Minister’s Office and the Raj Bhavan, The Hindu report mentioned.
The LG’s move to transfer these officials has further fueled tensions between the CM’s office and Raj Bhavan, which have been at odds over bureaucratic appointments.
Meanwhile, Omar has called an ‘important meeting’ of MLAs of the ruling alliance on Friday morning. NC’s Chief Whip Mubarak Gul has informed the party MLAs that an “important” meeting of the MLAs of the ruling alliance will be held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tomorrow at 11am.
The meeting will be held at deputy CM’s Fairview residence, the notice states.
