Jammu, Dec 23: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Monday strongly condemned the ongoing power cuts and water crisis in Kashmir, accusing the National Conference (NC) government led by Omar Abdullah of failing to address these critical issues.
Chugh in a statement issued here slammed the government for neglecting its electoral promise of providing 200 units of free electricity, saying that there is still no sign of fulfilling this commitment. “Instead, the people of Kashmir are enduring unscheduled and frequent power cuts, which have plunged their lives into severe hardship,” he said, adding, “During the harsh winter months, particularly the ongoing Chilai Kalan—the 40-day coldest period starting December 21, when temperatures drop below freezing—access to electricity is not a luxury but a necessity.”
Highlighting the dire situation, the BJP leader said Srinagar recorded a night temperature of minus 8.4 degrees Celsius on the first day of Chilai Kalan, the lowest in over three decades. He said prolonged power outages, coupled with water scarcity, have left residents struggling to meet their basic needs.
“The NC government has failed to prioritise essential amenities like electricity and water. The water crisis in the valley is equally alarming, adding to the hardships faced by the people. The administration’s negligence towards these issues is a complete failure to address the fundamental needs of its citizens,” he said.
Chugh warned that if immediate steps are not taken to restore electricity and resolve the water crisis, the BJP will organise protest against the government. “The Omar Abdullah-led administration must act swiftly to address the suffering of the people and fulfill its promises. Neglecting these concerns is unacceptable, and the BJP will not remain silent while the people of Kashmir face such hardships,” he said.
The BJP leader demanded that the National Conference government take serious note of the situation and work without delay to restore normalcy, ensuring that the people of Kashmir receive the electricity and water they desperately need during this challenging period.
He further criticised Omar Abdullah’s leadership, accusing him of losing the trust of both the people and his own party. Referring to the protest by Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi outside Abdullah’s residence and other parties joining in, Chugh remarked, “This is a clear sign of the Chief Minister’s failure. Omar Abdullah must resign immediately.”
