People’s Democratic Front (PDF) chairman Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Friday strongly criticized Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for what he termed as a “misleading and deceptive” budget that has ignored the majority of Jammu and Kashmir’s population.
In a statement issued to the media, Yaseen said that the Rs 1.12 lakh crore budget presented by CM Omar Abdullah for the fiscal year 2025-26 has completely neglected the key concerns of the common people. He said Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) is betraying public trust by offering selective relief that does not address the broader economic hardships faced by the people of the region.
“It is unfortunate that the ruling government has chosen to deceive the people of Jammu and Kashmir once again. The budget lacks a holistic approach and fails to provide relief to a significant portion of the population,” Yaseen said.
Criticizing the government’s focus on AAY families alone, he added, “Providing relief to only AAY beneficiaries while ignoring the rest of the population is nothing but an attempt to mislead the people. This is a classic case of selective appeasement that does not address the deep-rooted economic distress faced by the majority,” the senior PDF leader said.
Yaseen also lambasted the government’s announcement of 200 units of free electricity for AAY families, calling it an inadequate measure. “This so-called relief is nothing but eyewash. We demand that the government completely waive off the electricity bills for all households up to 200 units, irrespective of category. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered enough due to the economic downturn and high living costs,” he said.
Furthermore, PDF leader said that government is making grand announcements without concrete financial backing. “Where are the resources to implement these schemes effectively?
“The government has made promises, but we have seen in the past how many of these remain on paper. The people need real solutions, not empty rhetoric.”
Expressing disappointment over the lack of support for the working class and small businesses, Yaseen said, “There is no substantial relief for traders, farmers, and daily wage workers who are struggling due to inflation and unemployment. The budget is heavily dependent on central assistance, yet fails to introduce strong measures to boost the local economy and create sustainable employment.”
The PDF chairman also criticized the government’s failure to address key infrastructure concerns and lack of clarity on major development projects.
“Announcing universities and legal institutions is one thing, but what about the crumbling roads, power crisis, and failing healthcare system? This budget does not address the fundamental developmental issues that the people face every day.”
Yaseen said that people must not be fooled by grandstanding. We will continue to raise our voice against these misleading policies and fight for a fair and just economic policy that benefits all, he added.
