MLAs raise slow pace of development works in constituencies
Abid Bashir
Srinagar, June 3: Beneath the larger political messaging around statehood and constitutional guarantees, the National Conference’s marathon Dachigam meeting also witnessed candid discussions over internal coordination issues, with several MLAs openly expressing dissatisfaction over the pace of developmental works in their constituencies and alleged lack of cooperation from certain ministers.
Sources present at the nearly 10-hour-long off-site session said multiple legislators raised concerns before Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, complaining that developmental projects and public works in their areas were moving slowly despite repeated requests to departments.
National Conference MLA Hilal Akbar Lone, while speaking after the meeting, said the interaction provided legislators a rare opportunity to directly place constituency-related concerns before the leadership.
“Every MLA spoke openly about issues concerning his constituency. Development works, public grievances and coordination between departments were discussed in a healthy atmosphere,” Lone said, adding that Omar patiently listened to every participant. “There were some complaints by some MLAs that their constituencies were witnessing less developmental work compared to others. The Chief Minister intervened and then the issues were sorted out.”
MLA Bashir Ahmad Veeri also described the deliberations as “frank and constructive,” saying the meeting helped clear “misunderstandings and improve communication between ministers and legislators.”
“There can be differences in any political system, but what is important is that issues were discussed honestly and efforts were made to resolve them collectively,” Veeri said.
According to sources, some legislators specifically complained that lesser developmental works were being sanctioned in their constituencies compared to others, leading to resentment at the grassroots level, especially from the voters.
The Chief Minister, sources said, urged ministers and MLAs to work in close coordination and avoid public disagreements that could send a wrong message to the people.
“He assured legislators that all constituencies would receive equal attention and development would remain the government’s priority,” one participant said. The meeting eventually ended on a conciliatory note, with party leaders describing the closed-door interaction as an exercise aimed at strengthening internal cohesion ahead of the National Conference’s upcoming political outreach and statehood campaign.