Srinagar, Feb 17: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of running the affairs of J&K by proxy and disrespecting the people’s mandate by delaying the restoration of statehood.
He made these remarks while launching the party’s campaign “Himari Riyasat Hamara Haq” in Ramban, alongside Working Presidents Tara Chand and Raman Bhalla, former MP Ch Lal Singh, former MLAs Dina Nath Bhagat and Ashok Dogra and several senior leaders.
Addressing the District Congress Workers Convention, Karra questioned the BJP-led Central government for failing to fulfill its commitment to restore J&K’s statehood, despite assurances made in Parliament, the Supreme Court and public announcements. He termed the delay a betrayal of the people of J&K, accusing the BJP of deliberately withholding full power from the elected government and disrespecting the Constitution.
Karra warned that if the commitment to statehood is not fulfilled soon, Congress will intensify its struggle. He criticised the BJP for failing to address the concerns of common people, unemployed youth, daily wagers, contractual workers and temporary employees, such as NHM workers, Anganwadi and ASHA workers, SPOs and others who have been waiting for justice.
The J&K Congress chief further accused the BJP of mishandling the recruitment process, resulting in record-high unemployment in 45 years, irregularities in selection lists and the slow pace of filling thousands of vacancies. He also raised concerns over the rising power tariffs and increasing cost of essential commodities, saying these have worsened the financial strain on common people, particularly farmers.
Highlighting the hydropower potential of the Chenab region, Karra said the Congress party supports free and subsidised electricity for its residents. He urged the Central and UT governments to address this long-pending demand.
Senior Congress leaders Tara Chand, Raman Bhalla, and Ch Lal Singh also criticised the BJP for downgrading J&K from a state to a Union Territory, which they said had stripped the region of its dignity and rights. They reiterated Congress’s commitment to fighting for the rights of every community and region in J&K.
