Jammu, Nov 17: In a crucial meeting at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan in Jammu, National Conference (NC) functionaries from Jammu District Urban gathered to discuss the challenges faced by the people in the absence of a popular government in Jammu and Kashmir.
Senior party leaders, including Ajay Kumar Sadhotra and Rattan Lal Gupta, addressed the gathering, expressing concerns over the prolonged delay in holding Assembly polls in the region.
Chander Mohan Sharma, President of NC’s Jammu District Urban, highlighted the hardships endured by the residents of Jammu city without a duly elected government. He said there is an urgent need for a popular government to address the issues faced by the people.
Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, Additional General Secretary and former minister, lashed out at the BJP government, accusing it of undermining the democratic process by delaying Assembly elections. He said that the reluctance to hold polls reflects the BJP’s fear of a political setback due to its controversial policies.
“Manipulating delay in holding Assembly polls in J&K is a glaring example of the BJP Government demolishing the basic concept of democracy in this part of the country,” Sadhotra said. He accused the BJP of diminishing democracy by showing reluctance to hold elections, thereby denying the democratic right to the people of J&K.
Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of NC Jammu, echoed these sentiments, saying that the BJP’s model of democracy is “authoritarian”. He criticized the government for attempting to impose governance without democratic validation, thereby undermining the very essence of democracy guaranteed by the Constitution.
Gupta said the National Conference is committed to the development of cities and towns in Jammu and Kashmir. “We promise to provide state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructures,” he declared, listing essential amenities such as roads, parks, playgrounds, public toilets, waste management systems, and uninterrupted electricity and water supply.
Calling on party workers to prepare for upcoming polls, Gupta urged them to raise awareness about the government’s perceived betrayal. He called on the people to support the National Conference, asserting that the party is best equipped to ensure equitable development in Jammu and Kashmir.
