J&K Deputy Chief Minister Criticizes Recent Bills as ‘Return of Colonial Era

Swift Summary

• The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill was introduced, proposing the removal of prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, or Ministers if arrested for at least 30 days.
• Jammu & Kashmir Deputy chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary criticized the Bill as resembling “colonial-era rule,” adding that it undermines elected governments.
• Choudhary expressed disappointment at the lack of a Statehood restoration bill for J&K during the Parliament session, which citizens and supporters were anticipating.
• Opposition PDP Vice President Sartaj Madni called the Bill “a weapon to unseat leaders at will,” claiming it goes against conventional Indian values of harmony.
• CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami described the bill as a step toward “dictatorship,” alleging bias in its submission against Opposition parties ruling in states.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The proposed amendment has sparked strong reactions from multiple political parties across Jammu & Kashmir. Critics argue that it undermines democratic principles by allowing elected officials to be removed based solely on detainment circumstances without judicial conclusions. Concerns have been raised about potential misuse targeted against opposition-led states-highlighting worries about central authoritarianism and biased enforcement through agencies like ED and CBI.

For J&K specifically, this advancement adds to existing frustrations over delays in restoring Statehood-a key demand of citizens as revocation in 2019.The timing further underscores tensions between regional aspirations and central legislation that many see as imposed measures rather than democratic resolutions.

Read more: The Hindu