R S PURA, Jul 4: Senior BJP leader and former Sarpanch Adv. Devraj Sharma on Friday criticised the National Conference (NC) government’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi over the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that the move was aimed at diverting public attention from its failure to fulfil key electoral promises.
In a statement issued here, Adv. Sharma cautioned the NC government and those scheduled to participate in the protest, asserting that such demonstrations would not address the day-to-day problems confronting the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He alleged that the proposed protest was a deliberate attempt to “buy time” and “hoodwink the public” instead of addressing pressing governance and developmental issues. According to him, people across the Union Territory are facing hardships due to shortages of drinking water, unscheduled power cuts, unemployment and other civic concerns.
Adv. Sharma further claimed that several promises made by the ruling party during the Assembly elections, including commitments relating to ration supplies, LPG cylinders and employment generation, have remained unfulfilled. He alleged that these assurances have, so far, proved to be mere rhetoric and have failed to translate into tangible relief for the common people.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir are expecting the government to focus on governance and deliver on its commitments rather than engaging in political protests. Public welfare and development should take precedence over political posturing,” he said.
The BJP leader maintained that the restoration of statehood is a matter already under consideration at the appropriate level and expressed confidence that it would be addressed in accordance with constitutional and democratic processes. He urged the government to devote its energy to improving public services and resolving issues affecting the daily lives of citizens.
Adv. Sharma appealed to the NC government to fulfil the promises made to the electorate and prioritise development, employment generation, uninterrupted power and drinking water supply, and effective public service delivery, stating that these are the issues of immediate concern for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.