Sat Apr 05 23:18:00 UTC 2025: ## J&K Government’s Stance on Reservation Quotas Sparks Controversy

**Srinagar, April 6, 2025** – The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) government’s official position on reservation quotas, submitted to the High Court on Saturday, has ignited a political firestorm. The National Conference (NC)-led government’s affidavit vehemently opposes a petition seeking rationalization of the revised quota, calling it an “abuse of judicial process” and accusing the petitioners of deceptive motives.

This stance directly contradicts the NC’s public pronouncements on the issue, placing the Omar Abdullah government in a precarious position. The affidavit, filed by the Social Welfare Department headed by NC Minister Sakina Ittoo, argues the petition lacks merit and should be dismissed. It even suggests that allowing the petition would set a dangerous precedent.

The government’s unexpected hardline stance has drawn sharp criticism. Minister Ittoo attempted to downplay the controversy, stating the affidavit isn’t the final word and that the government remains committed to addressing reservation concerns. She mentioned a government committee examining the issue and pledged a report within six months.

However, opposition parties have seized on the discrepancy. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed-ur-Rehmaan Parra accused the NC of betraying its promises, pointing out the affidavit’s defense of the post-August 2019 reservation policy and its alignment with the BJP’s position. He highlighted the affidavit’s suggestion that the Supreme Court’s 50% reservation ceiling may be breached under exceptional circumstances.

J&K Peoples Conference (JKPC) chairman Sajad Lone also criticized the NC, questioning the government’s apparent disregard for its own initiative on the matter, as the affidavit makes no mention of the Cabinet Sub-Committee tasked with reviewing the reservation issue.

The conflicting statements and the government’s unexpected legal strategy have raised serious questions about transparency and the NC’s commitment to its stated policies on reservation in J&K. The controversy is likely to intensify as the political fallout continues.

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