Opposition Parties Seize Opportunity to Criticize the NC-Led Administration
Srinagar, 06 April 2025 – A Controversial Admission
The National Conference (NC)-led government in Jammu and Kashmir has come under intense scrutiny after Education Minister Sakina Itoo publicly admitted an “error” in an affidavit submitted to the High Court regarding the region’s reservation policy. The statement followed sharp criticism from opposition parties, who accused the administration of negligence and insensitivity toward marginal communities.
The controversy has ignited a political storm, with opposition leaders accusing the NC-led coalition of failing to uphold its commitment to ensuring social justice. This episode has not only sparked public debates on the reservation policy but also raised questions about governance and accountability within the administration.
The Controversial Affidavit
At the heart of the issue lies an affidavit submitted by the NC government in response to a petition challenging certain provisions of the region’s reservation policy. According to opposition leaders, the affidavit contained inaccuracies and ambiguous language, which they claim undermines the legal and ethical integrity of the policy.
The opposition alleged that the errors, whether intentional or not, reflect poorly on the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of marginalized communities. “This isn’t just a clerical error—it’s a betrayal of the very people who depend on reservation policies for equal opportunities,” said an opposition spokesperson.
Minister Admits Mistake
Education Minister Sakina Itoo, addressing a press conference on Sunday, admitted that the affidavit contained errors but assured the public that corrective measures were being taken. “The affidavit was filed with certain unintended inaccuracies. We acknowledge the mistake and are working to rectify it at the earliest. We remain committed to protecting the rights of all communities in Jammu and Kashmir,” she stated.
While the minister’s admission of an error demonstrates a level of accountability, opposition leaders argue that the damage has already been done. “An apology is not enough. The government must take full responsibility and explain how such a significant oversight occurred in the first place,” said a senior leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Political Fallout
The controversy has provided ample ammunition for opposition parties to question the competence of the NC-led government. Leaders from the PDP, Congress, and other regional parties have criticized the administration’s handling of the affidavit, accusing it of negligence and a lack of transparency.
PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti remarked, “This is yet another example of the government’s inability to prioritize the welfare of marginalized communities. The NC talks about social justice but fails to back its words with action.”
The Congress, too, weighed in on the issue, calling for an independent inquiry into how the errors in the affidavit went unnoticed. “This is not just about policy; it’s about accountability and governance,” said a Congress representative.
Public Reaction
The controversy has not gone unnoticed by the public, with many residents expressing concern over the implications of such mistakes. “If they can make errors in something as important as a reservation policy, how can we trust them to handle other critical issues?” asked a local activist.
Social media platforms have also been abuzz with reactions, with some users accusing the government of failing its constitutional duty to protect vulnerable groups, while others applauded the minister for owning up to the mistake.
Steps Moving Forward
The NC government has promised to revise the affidavit and ensure greater scrutiny of legal documents moving forward. The administration is also engaging with legal experts and community leaders to address concerns and prevent similar controversies in the future.
“We take this matter seriously and are committed to restoring public confidence,” said a senior government official. “Our focus remains on delivering equitable governance and upholding the principles of social justice.”
A Litmus Test for Governance
This episode serves as a critical test for the NC-led government’s ability to navigate political challenges and rebuild public trust. As the administration works to correct its course, the opposition will likely continue to capitalize on the controversy, ensuring that the issue remains in the spotlight.
