Udhampur, Jan 19: National Conference (NC) additional general secretary and former minister, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for “neglecting” remote and far-flung hilly areas in Jammu and Kashmir during the past ten years.
Addressing a public meeting at Chenani in Udhampur district organised by Naresh Anthal and Ram Parshotam District President Udampur, Sadhotra highlighted several critical issues stemming from the BJP’s governance directly and remotely. These issues he said included “developmental inertia, the breakdown of essential services, skyrocketing prices, and a sharp rise in unemployment among educated, skilled and unskilled workers”.
The NC leader said that remote and far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir have been left out of the developmental discourse, leading to stagnation in infrastructure growth, lack of basic amenities, and unfulfilled promises. “The BJP has failed to address the pressing needs of the people living in these marginalised regions. The lack of attention has resulted in developmental and escalating hardships for the common man,” he added.
Highlighting the severe unemployment crisis, Sadhotra said, “Educated youth, skilled professionals, and unskilled workers are all facing a bleak future due to the lack of job opportunities and employability measures for the last ten years. The lack of basic amenities including power, drinking water and healthcare facilities further compounded their struggles, pushing families into unexplainable hardships.”
Exuding confidence in the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the former minister assured that the National Conference-led government is committed to “rectifying the failures” of the BJP government. “Under Omar Abdullah’s leadership, the National Conference government will undertake a course correction. We will ensure fast-track development, modernised infrastructure, and a comprehensive approach to upgrade essential services in every corner of Jammu and Kashmir,” he asserted.
Sadhotra emphasised that the National Conference’s governance model will prioritise marginalised areas to bridge the urban-rural divide and bring equitable growth. “No area will be left behind, and no community will feel neglected. The National Conference is committed to ensuring that every citizen has access to the resources and opportunities they deserve,” he added.
He also underscored the party’s commitment to addressing unemployment by implementing effective employability measures and transparent recruitment processes. “Our focus will be on creating jobs, empowering the youth, and fostering entrepreneurship. Omar Abdullah’s government has been working tirelessly to restore the trust of the people by ensuring merit-based recruitments and providing skill development opportunities,” Sadhotra said.
