Srinagar, Jun 26 (KNO): The actions of the Deputy Chief Minister-not inviting opposition MLAs to official functions in their constituencies- have raised eyebrows, with many viewing this as defiance of the CM-led General Administration Department’s directive to ensure that all MLAs are invited to such events.
In what is widely perceived as disregard for elected representatives and for their established protocol, privileges, and immunities, the Deputy Chief Minister is keeping opposition MLAs out of the loop when organising official functions in their constituencies.
Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary’s office, for instance, did not invite Udhampur MLA R.S. Pathania to a public outreach program or road inspection events in his segment earlier week—a fact bluntly admitted by the Deputy CM himself.
A letter (PS/DCM/J/2026/847, dated 23-06-2026) issued by the Deputy CM’s personnel section to officials regarding his programme in Udhampur reveals that he was scheduled to inspect four ongoing projects: the Sidhra-Surinsar-Mansar road, a 135-metre span double-lane motorable bridge over Gambhir Nallah at Majalta link road, the Munsif Court Complex at Majalta, as well as address a public outreach camp.
In the same letter, the Deputy Commissioner of Udhampur directed that all district and sectoral officers must attend the public outreach camp. However, the local MLA was not invited, despite the activities falling squarely under the category of official functions.
“The Majalta MLA needs to understand his responsibility. He is failing to do so. If he were truly a sympathizer of the public, he should have come here. I did not send an invitation to anyone,” the Deputy CM told mediapersons.
The Deputy CM’s action is in contravention of CM Omar Abdullah-led government’s directive to invite MLAs to official functions in their segments.
“It shall also be ensured that the elected representatives are invited to all official functions and meetings organized in their jurisdiction, as also in the event of the official visit of any dignitary in their jurisdiction,” reads a circular issued by the GAD in February 2025.
Similarly, MLA Handwara Sajad Lone was also not invited to the inauguration of a project in his constituency on May 21 by the Deputy CM. Even his name was missing from the inauguration stone. Two letters were sent to the administration by the Deputy CM’s personnel section about the visit.
Former MLA and Peoples Conference leader Bashir Ahmad Dar told mediapersons a few days ago that they will not allow any minister to enter Handwara for official functions without taking the local MLA on board.
As per the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, Members of J&K Assembly have powers, privileges, and immunities at par with Lok Sabha members.
“In other respects, the powers, privileges and immunities of the Legislative Assembly and of the members and the committees thereof shall be such as are for the time being enjoyed by the House of the People and its members and committees,” reads sub-section (3) of Section 30 of the J&K Reorganisation Act.
As per guidelines of the Department of Personnel & Training, Government of India, Members of Parliament of the area should invariably be invited to public functions organized by a Government office. “The invitation cards and media events, if organized for the function held in the constituency, may include the names of Members of that constituency who have confirmed participation in these functions,” state the guidelines.
Even sub-section (2) of Section 46 of the J&K Reorganisation Act protects all standing orders regarding the J&K Assembly which were applicable in the erstwhile state of J&K.
The GAD circular of 2009 states that legislators shall be invited to all major official functions like laying of foundation stones and inauguration of major development projects in their respective constituencies.
“The Hon'ble Legislators shall also be invited to major official functions of the State and they shall be allotted seats strictly as per the protocol,” reads the circular.
As per the circular issued by the General Administration Department in 2012, MLAs have the prerogative to inaugurate projects and lay foundation stones in their constituencies when ministers are absent. It further provides that if a minister inaugurates a project, the concerned MLA must be informed and actively associated—(KNO)