NC MLA objects LG Sinha for Inaugurating Srinagar’s Amira Kadal Pedestrian Bridge
Ruling party leader calls it unnecessary intrusion into civic functions.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the redeveloped Amira Kadal pedestrian bridge in Srinagar on January 20, 2026, drawing sharp criticism from a ruling National Conference (NC) MLA. The Rs 7.70-crore project, executed under Srinagar Smart City Limited since December 2023, restored the historically significant wooden bridge with emphasis on heritage preservation, structural safety, and modern inclusive design.
Dedicating the bridge to the people of Srinagar, Lt Governor Sinha described it as a step toward elevating quality of life while safeguarding cultural legacy. “Our prime objective is to lift the quality of life to a new level with modern technology and inclusive design,” he said. “We have made it a mission to protect the soul of every city while upgrading infrastructure—preserving historic lanes, bridges, traditional markets, lively squares, and peaceful green spaces.”
However, NC MLA from Banihal, Sajjad Shaheen, strongly objected to the LG’s involvement, terming it an “unnecessary intrusion into routine civic functions.” In a post on X, Shaheen argued that such inaugurations should be left to the elected government and local administration. He added that when a constitutional office handles footbridges, it “blurs institutional boundaries, undermines democratic decentralisation, and weakens established norms of governance.”
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Interestingly, NC MLA from the Amira Kadal constituency, Ahsan Pardesi, was present alongside Lt Governor Sinha during the event. The party later downplayed Shaheen’s criticism, describing it as his “personal opinion.” A senior NC leader clarified, “Our MLA was present when the bridge was inaugurated by LG Sinha. The LG is the chairman of the smart city.”
The episode highlights occasional tensions within the ruling alliance over protocol and roles in development projects, even as the bridge’s redevelopment is widely seen as a positive step for urban mobility and heritage conservation in Srinagar.
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