Sagar questions opp parties’ ‘sudden’ focus on public issues

Srinagar, Jul 09: Why have opposition parties suddenly awakened to public issues after a prolonged silence during years of bureaucratic control in Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference (NC) General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar said on Wednesday. He made these comments while presiding over a party functionaries meeting of Block Khanyar A at Nawa E Subah. MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar was also present in the meeting. On the occasion, A M Sagar asked party functionaries to prepare for the upcoming July 11 and July 13 functions, the party said in a statement issued here.Sagar, who is the MLA of Khanyar constituency, said, “Where were these self-proclaimed guardians of democracy when the region was run by unelected officials for nearly a decade?” Not a murmur was heard from them then. In fact, they seemed far more comfortable attending official parties than standing with the people on the ground.”He added, “The opposition’s current chorus of criticism against Omar Abdullah-led government rings hollow, especially as it targets a democratically elected government that is actively working to restore dignity, progress, and stability to our beleaguered region.”The NC leader said the Omar-led administration has taken “bold, pro-poor and people-centric” measures, which have “clearly unsettled those who once found comfort in the corridors of bureaucracy”.”The real discomfort isn’t with policy; it’s with popularity,” he said. “The participatory approach adopted by Omar Sahib has given sleepless nights to those who were absent when it mattered most. They now find themselves on shaky ground, and their only response is to create noise.”Sagar said the people have spoken first in the Parliamentary elections, and again in the Legislative Assembly. “The rejection of these opposition parties is not accidental; it’s a reflection of their disconnect from real issues and grassroots sentiment,” he added.The NC General Secretary added, “While the National Conference has always stood shoulder to shoulder with the people, the opposition parties were often seen rubbing shoulders with bureaucrats, far removed from public concerns. Suddenly, now that democracy has returned, they’ve found their voices; but only to protect their political turf, not public interest.”Calling for continued focus on governance and grassroots development, Sagar urged party functionaries to “ignore the theatrics” and remain connected with the people. “Our work speaks louder than their words ever will,” he added.