Jammu, Mar 03: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Working President Raman Bhalla on Sunday said the people of Union Territory were expressing pain and anguish against the Bharatiya Janata Party government and its “anti-people” policies.
According to a party statement issued here, Bhalla while interacting with prominent figures from various constituencies in Jammu district highlighted the “unprecedented price rise and record unemployment in the region under the Modi government”.
“Common man is suffering due to high prices of essential commodities and unreasonable taxes,” he said, adding, “Jammu and Kashmir tops in the unemployment in the country and the educated youth are frustrated due to the wrong policy of the government. Lakhs of educated youths are without jobs in the UT while the daily wagers, need-based, contractual and other temporary employees are protesting for regularization.”
Raman accused the government of increasing prices of oil, gas, and electricity after coming into power and failing to provide relief to the masses, even during festive occasions.
Asserting the Congress party as the only truly secular, democratic, and progressive force, Bhalla said, “Only Congress could lead Jammu and Kashmir on the path of peace, progress and harmony.” He discussed the emerging political scenario in the region, saying the party is a “preferred choice” due to its “inclusive” policies.
The JKPCC leader reiterated the call for the restoration of statehood and a popular government in Jammu and Kashmir “to address the grievances of the people effectively”.
Bhalla also criticized the present administration for its “lack of political direction”, which he said has led to an administrative breakdown and developmental paralysis. He said there is an acute scarcity of drinking water and frequent power cuts in most parts of Jammu, making life miserable for the people.
He criticized the BJP for “encroaching” upon the powers of Panchayats and altering developmental plans without consulting Panchayat members. He accused the party of undermining the autonomy and functioning of Panchayats, which were established to decentralize power and ensure grassroots democracy.
“Congress party established PR system in the country to decentralize and devolve powers to the lowest level with further strengthening the PRIs through 73rd and 74th amendment under the leadership of late Rajiv Gandhi, which ensured reservation of 33% to women besides SC/STs as per population, in the grassroots institutions of democracy,” Bhalla said, adding, “People should reject exploitation and hatred and embrace the Congress party for a better future.”
