Congress MLA’s son attending high level meeting sparks row over governance protocol

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 19 (STC): In a breach of governance protocols, the son of an MLA attended a high-level government meeting in place of his elected father. According to the reports, during a crucial review session chaired by Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, Waleed Karra, son of MLA Tariq Hamid Karra, participated in the meeting, despite his father being in Doda at the time.
The meeting, convened to assess developmental projects and the implementation of government-sponsored schemes in Srinagar district, was attended by several MLAs, senior officials from the district administration, police, and department heads.
However, Waleed Karra’s presence raised eyebrows as he had no official mandate to be part of such a high-profile discussion.

“Such instances reflect a troubling disregard for institutional norms and accountability,” a senior politician told a local news agency KNT.
The news agency KNT quoted a congress leader on condition of anonymity, saying that neither Sakeena Itoo nor any official dared to question Waleed Karra’s presence or authority in the meeting.
“This practice not only undermines the credibility of governance but also erodes public trust in the system, as political positions appear to be treated as personal legacies rather than public responsibilities,” he said.
Earlier, a video had gone viral showing Waleed Karra inspecting a health facility on the outskirts of Srinagar, igniting debates about breaches in governance protocol.
(STC)