SC observations on governors applies to all holding post, says Omar Abdullah

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah. File Pic

The Supreme Court's observation that a little bit of soul-searching by governors is needed and they must know they are not elected representatives of people applies to all occupants of Raj Bhavans, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said on Monday.

"Applies to all occupants of Raj Bhavans/Niwas' regardless of the claims of 80% & 90% popularity," Abdullah said in a post on X.

The Supreme Court observations came while hearing the Punjab government's plea against governor's delay in giving nod to bills.

"Governors must act even before the matter comes to the Supreme Court. This has to come to an end when governors act only when matters reach the Supreme Court...A little bit of soul-searching is needed by governors and they must know that they are not elected representatives of people," the apex court said.

Earlier, in September, Abdullah, the vice president of the NC, had accused Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of "inventing" surveys to justify his "unwillingness" to conduct assembly elections in the union territory and remain its "uncrowned ruler".

The former chief minister of J-K had reacted to Sinha's reported remarks that if a survey was conducted in J-K, 80 per cent of people would vote in favour of the current system, Central rule.

Earlier, National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah on Friday termed "stupid" the opposition alliance INDIA's decision in September to boycott shows of 14 television anchors on several platforms, reported PTI.

"So much for a stupid list boycotting anchors. I'm glad it died its own death. #INDIA," Abdullah said in a post on X.

His remark came in response to a post by one of the 14 anchors on her interaction with Congress leader Kamal Nath on the Madhya Pradesh campaign trail, reported PTI.

In September, the media committee of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) of opposition parties took the decision to boycott the programmes of these journalists, accusing them of spreading a "hate-filled narrative" in the country, reported PTI.

"Pursuant to the decision taken by INDIA Coordination Committee in its meeting on September 13, 2023, the INDIA parties will not send their representatives on the shows and events of the following anchors," a statement from the media committee of the opposition bloc said a day later while listing the names of such journalists, reported PTI.

The National Conference is a constituent of the opposition bloc and Omar Abdullah is a member of its Coordination Committee.

(With inputs from PTI)