Examiner News | Srinagar:
Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Wednesday said the BJP’s protest in Srinagar reflected what he described as the failures of the National Conference-led government.
BJP leaders and workers gathered at Lal Chowk ahead of a planned march towards the Civil Secretariat, as the party sought to highlight issues including electricity supply, drinking water, roads and unemployment.
Security was tightened across Lal Chowk in anticipation of the BJP’s proposed Civil Secretariat gherao. The Hari Singh High Street road leading towards the Secretariat was closed, while police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in strength in the area.
Speaking to reporters near the Clock Tower, Sharma said growing public concerns over basic amenities and employment were a reflection of the government’s performance.
“This is a reflection of the failures of the government, which you are seeing on the streets today,” Sharma said, referring to concerns over electricity, water, roads and employment.
He particularly targeted the government over the employment situation, alleging that young people were facing limited opportunities through the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and the Services Selection Board.
Sharma further alleged that employment opportunities were being influenced by political connections, claiming that jobs were being linked to contractors associated with the National Conference.
“Today you ask for a job from a contractor of the National Conference,” he alleged, while also making similar claims regarding appointments in the health sector.
The BJP leader also criticised the government over electricity tariffs, alleging that the increase had placed an additional financial burden on economically weaker sections.
“On top of that, the government has increased the electricity tariff and has put a burden on the poor. People are angry, that is why they are on the streets,” Sharma said.
Targeting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Sharma questioned the National Conference over promises made during the Assembly elections, particularly those relating to Article 370, free electricity and employment.
He alleged that the government had failed to fulfil key commitments made to voters during the election campaign.
Sharma also challenged the Chief Minister to seek a fresh mandate from the people on the issue of statehood.
“If Mr Omar Abdullah has even a little bit of dignity left, then come and fight the elections on statehood and resign from Ganderbal,” Sharma said, adding that the BJP would accept the people’s verdict if voters endorsed the demand.
The BJP had announced the march towards the Civil Secretariat as part of its protest programme. At the time of filing this report, party leaders and workers remained gathered near the Clock Tower and the proposed march had not yet commenced. (City Reporter)
