Srinagar, April 4, 2025: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha addressed the ongoing controversy over the recent transfer of 48 Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service officers, asserting that he is “fully aware of my jurisdiction” and that all decisions were made within the legal framework of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The statement comes in response to sharp criticism from the National Conference (NC)-led government, which has accused the LG of overstepping his authority by ordering the transfers without consulting the elected administration.
The reshuffle, executed on April 1, 2025, by the General Administration Department under Sinha’s direction, has sparked a significant rift between Raj Bhavan and the Omar Abdullah-led government. The NC, along with its ally Congress, argues that the transfers undermine the elected government’s authority, especially since the business rules for governance, submitted to the Union Home Ministry a month ago, are still awaiting approval. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reportedly written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and Sinha himself, seeking clarity on the matter and urging respect for the elected government’s mandate.
LG Manoj Sinha, however, dismissed claims of overreach, stating, “I know my limits and will not exceed them.” He emphasised that the transfers were conducted in the public interest and align with the powers granted to the Lieutenant Governor under the Reorganisation Act, which delineates authority over law and order, Central services, and certain administrative functions to the LG, while governance issues fall under the elected government. The LG’s office further clarified that the decisions were legal and within the mandate, aiming to ensure efficient administration across the Union Territory.
The controversy has reignited debates over the balance of power in Jammu and Kashmir’s unique governance structure, where the elected government and the LG often navigate overlapping jurisdictions. Political analysts suggest that this row reflects deeper tensions, as the NC pushes for greater autonomy and the restoration of statehood, while the LG’s actions are seen by some as an assertion of Central authority. The timing of the transfers—while the elected government awaited approval of its business rules—has fueled perceptions of a deliberate attempt to assert dominance, though Sinha’s office has denied such intentions.
The NC has called a legislative party meeting to strategise its response, with discussions likely focusing on legal recourse and political measures to safeguard the government’s authority. Meanwhile, the Congress has echoed the NC’s concerns, with leader Gulam Ahmed Mir stating that the LG should have waited for the business rules to be finalized before proceeding with such a significant reshuffle.
As the situation unfolds, the row over administrative transfers highlights the ongoing challenges of governance in Jammu and Kashmir, where the interplay between elected leadership and the LG’s office continues to shape the region’s political landscape.