SRINAGAR, SEPT 29: BJP MLA Ranbir strongly opposed the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introduced by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, describing the proposed change in the delimitation mechanism as a dark chapter in the legislative history of Jammu and Kashmir.
Pathania questioned the wisdom of taking the State Election Commission out of the process of delimitation of municipal wards, stressing that electoral boundaries must be determined through an independent and impartial electoral mechanism, not by executive authorities.
“Delimitation—whether of Lok Sabha, Assembly, Panchayat or Municipal wards—cannot become a government-controlled exercise. Electoral boundaries must remain insulated from political and executive influence.”
He pointed out that the Municipal Act, 2000 was enacted when the NC was in power. As per section 10, term ‘State Election Commission’ has been used. He questioned the rationale behind altering the institutional safeguards governing elections.
Pathania also raised serious questions over the delay in extending OBC reservation in local bodies, despite its implementation elsewhere in the country, and sought clarity on the Government’s commitment to conducting long-pending Panchayat and Municipal elections.
Reacting to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remark that Panchayat and Municipal elections would come “at the appropriate time”, Pathania said such statements hurt the sentiments and aspirations of thousands of people across Jammu and Kashmir who have been waiting for elected local bodies.
“Democracy cannot be kept waiting indefinitely. Local self-government is a constitutional commitment, not a matter of political convenience,” Pathania said.
The debate, he maintained, must ultimately be about institutional independence, electoral transparency and the people’s right to timely democratic representation.
