Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, alleging widespread misgovernance and administrative failure in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing reporters, Sharma remarked that the government’s “headquarters” appeared to lie “somewhere between marathon tracks and Gulmarg’s ski slopes,” accusing the administration of remaining disconnected from public issues.
“If you are looking for Omar Abdullah or his ministers, don’t go to the Civil Secretariat. You should look for them somewhere between marathon tracks and Gulmarg’s ski slopes,” he said.
The BJP leader alleged that corruption and governance failures had reached alarming levels under the present administration. He claimed that the government was more focused on protecting elite interests than addressing the concerns of ordinary citizens.
Sharma criticised the government over the proposed lease extension bill, alleging that it was aimed at benefiting influential sections who had acquired land at minimal costs.
“Omar Abdullah-led government allowed the introduction of the lease extension bill to protect the interests of Kashmir’s rich, who have been provided land for peanuts. On the other hand, it has shut its eyes to the problems faced by common people,” he said.
Highlighting issues related to public services, Sharma alleged that hospitals across the Union Territory were facing shortages of doctors and basic facilities, while roads remained in poor condition. He also claimed that people were being burdened with high electricity bills instead of receiving the promised 200 units of free power.
Commenting on the ongoing debate over liquor policy, Sharma termed Omar Abdullah’s recent remarks on liquor shops as “arrogant” and accused the National Conference of backtracking on earlier commitments.
“This was not only a U-turn from promises made by the National Conference but also reflected the same arrogance. One of their MPs had spoken about imposing a liquor ban during the election campaign,” he said.
The controversy erupted after Omar Abdullah stated on Sunday that no one was being forced to consume alcohol and that individuals visited liquor shops by their own choice. Following criticism, the Chief Minister said his remarks were being politically misrepresented by opponents.
Responding to questions regarding internal political developments in the National Conference and remarks linked to the emergence of an “Eknath Shinde-like” situation within the party, Sharma claimed that the NC was facing internal instability.
“The National Conference is a sinking ship. While its members are desperate to desert it, nobody is yet ready to accept them. I can say with authority that this government will not complete its full term and its downfall has already begun,” he alleged.
On the issue of alleged cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha elections, Sharma said it would not be appropriate to comment at this stage.
