Srinagar, Aug 17 (JKNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said matters falling within the domain of states should be dealt with by state governments, stressing that excessive centralisation and interference in state affairs weaken the federal structure.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, CM as per news agency JKNS, also reacted to the BJP’s protests in Jammu, the controversy surrounding the singing of Vande Mataram, ongoing student protests in Jharkhand and the broader issue of devolution of powers.
On the BJP’s protest against the NCR government in Jammu, Omar said the BJP was free to hold protests and questioned why he should intervene in the matter.
Reacting to the controversy over Vande Mataram and demands for an apology from the Congress, the Chief Minister said the matter should be viewed in context, noting that three verses of the national song were sung during the Independence Day function.
He said the inclusion of Vande Mataram was a new arrangement and that it would take some time for people to get accustomed to the change.
“This was my eighth parade on 15th August, but for the first time, Vande Mataram was included,” Omar said, explaining that the sequence involved the singing of Vande Mataram, hoisting of the National Flag and subsequently the National Anthem.
On questions concerning remarks made on social media, Omar said he should not be expected to explain what others post on their personal accounts.
Turning to the ongoing student protests in Jharkhand, the Chief Minister welcomed the proposed second round of talks, saying dialogue should continue if the students’ demands were justified.
“If the demands of the students are justified, if they are right, then there should be a discussion with them. If not, then say it directly,” he said.
Omar observed that the decision to hold a second round of talks suggested that there could be substance in at least some of the demands raised by the protesting students.
“Do as much as you can,” he said, stressing the need to address genuine grievances through dialogue.
The Chief Minister linked the issue to his broader argument over the weakening of states and devolution of powers, saying education, health and several other matters fall within the state domain.
“These issues, be it education or health, in the devolution of powers, these are state issues. They feature in the State List,” he said.
However, Omar also acknowledged that the weakening of states could not be attributed solely to the BJP, saying successive central governments, including previous Congress-led governments, had contributed to the centralisation of powers.
“This is not only the fault of BJP. Different central governments have played a role in weakening the states,” he said.
Referring to the expansion of central agencies and the powers vested in them, he said previous Congress and UPA governments had also played a role in the process.
Omar further cited the recent resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the context of the centralisation of responsibilities, arguing that matters concerning state-level examinations and administration should primarily remain with the states.
“If there was a mistake in any state, then the minister of that state would be at fault. But the result of centralizing is that a state or something went wrong and the central minister had to resign,” he said.
Calling for a clearer division of responsibilities, Omar said, “Leave the state issues to the state. Take care of the Centre issues. Let us do our job, let them do their job.”
He said excessive interference by the Centre in matters belonging to the states ultimately undermines the spirit of federalism and creates unnecessary complications. (JKNS)
