Mehbooba Mufti Calls for Constitutional Introspection
In a post on ‘X’, she reflected on the historical arc between August 15, 1947—the country’s liberation from colonial rule—and January 26, 1950, when the Constitution came into force, giving citizens the institutional and legal framework to exercise their freedoms
SRINAGAR: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti used the eve of Republic Day to urge a deeper, more meaningful engagement with the spirit of the occasion.
She said the day should represent far more than ceremonial parades and official speeches, reminding citizens that January 26 symbolises the constitutional rights that allow every Indian to live with dignity.
In a post on ‘X’, she reflected on the historical arc between August 15, 1947—the country’s liberation from colonial rule—and January 26, 1950, when the Constitution came into force, giving citizens the institutional and legal framework to exercise their freedoms. These guarantees, she noted, include free speech, freedom of religion, and the right to vote.
Mufti emphasised that the Constitution established strong institutions to safeguard these rights and uphold democratic values. However, she expressed concern that many of these institutions are now being “weaponised,” a development she believes threatens the foundational idea of India.
Her remarks came at a time when debates over the functioning of constitutional bodies and the health of Indian democracy have intensified across the country.
Meanwhile, at the Republic Day celebrations at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary struck a tone of optimism and reassurance. He reiterated the hope that J&K’s statehood would be restored in the near future, reaffirming the commitment previously articulated by the Prime Minister. Choudhary said he envisioned the Union Territory returning to the status once imagined by leaders like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah.
Highlighting ongoing development initiatives, the Deputy Chief Minister announced the introduction of 200 new red buses under the Smart City project to strengthen public transport in the win capitals of Srinagar and Jammu. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to regularise daily wagers and provide them with permanent employment, describing it as a long‑awaited measure of justice and stability for thousands of families. Choudhary also underscored the administration’s focus on digital governance, aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency across departments.
He noted that several long‑pending bridge projects—some stalled for decades—had finally been completed, significantly improving road connectivity in the region. Addressing the financial challenges that emerged after the transition from statehood to Union Territory, he expressed hope that the Centre would allocate additional funds to meet J&K’s unique developmental needs.
Choudhary also highlighted the cultural and economic importance of traditional crafts such as Basohli paintings, Kani shawls, and other indigenous handicrafts. These art forms, he said, are not only vital to the region’s heritage but also essential for sustaining local livelihoods. He added that efforts were underway to ensure access to clean drinking water through specialised machinery and announced the establishment of a new waste management plant in South Kashmir to strengthen rural sanitation.
Looking ahead to the upcoming budget, the Deputy Chief Minister expressed confidence that it would prioritise public welfare and reaffirm the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment. He said the administration remained focused on building a future rooted in opportunity, dignity, and inclusive growth for all residents of J&K.