JAMMU, Jul 20: Senior BJP leader and former Sarpanch Adv. Devraj Sharma on Monday strongly criticised the National Conference (NC) and the Congress, particularly their MLAs and Ministers, for what he described as their “complete absence” from the flood-ravaged districts of Rajouri and Poonch at a time when people were battling one of the worst natural calamities in recent years.
Expressing deep concern over the extensive devastation caused by the flash floods, Adv. Sharma said that while countless families were struggling for survival, searching for missing relatives and coping with the loss of homes, livestock and livelihoods, the elected representatives of the ruling alliance chose political activities over humanitarian responsibilities.
“The unprecedented destruction witnessed in Rajouri and Poonch demanded immediate attention from every elected representative. At such a critical juncture, every minute was precious for rescue, relief and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, instead of standing shoulder to shoulder with the affected families, several leaders preferred political programmes, leaving the people in their hour of greatest need,” he said.
Adv. Sharma remarked that the situation required complete administrative focus and collective efforts from all political parties, civil society organisations and government agencies. He said disasters do not recognise political affiliations and therefore the response should have been guided solely by humanitarian concerns.
Referring to the political programme held at Jantar Mantar, he said that demands concerning statehood could have been raised on another day, but the lives of people trapped in flood-hit areas could not wait.”Statehood is an important political issue, but there are occasions when humanity must come before politics. When innocent citizens are stranded, families are suffering and rescue teams are racing against time, political demonstrations can always be postponed. Saving lives should have been the foremost priority,” Adv. Sharma asserted.
He further stated that the people of Rajouri and Poonch have closely observed the response of those they elected to represent them and would draw their own conclusions regarding who stood with them during the crisis and who remained occupied with political agendas elsewhere.Calling the episode an eye-opener for the constituents of the affected districts, Adv. Sharma said public representatives are expected to remain among the people during difficult times rather than away from the ground realities.
Highlighting the BJP’s approach, Adv. Sharma said the party demonstrated its commitment to public welfare by postponing its scheduled protest programme in Srinagar so that the entire focus could remain on ongoing rescue and relief operations in the flood-affected districts.
“The BJP displayed sensitivity and responsibility by giving precedence to relief and rescue efforts over political activities. This decision reflects the party’s commitment to stand with the people during every crisis and to ensure that all available resources and administrative attention remain focused on saving lives and providing immediate assistance,” he said.
Adv. Sharma also appreciated the relentless efforts of the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police personnel, district administration, volunteers and local residents who have been working round the clock to rescue stranded families and provide relief to those affected.
He urged the administration to expedite relief measures, conduct a comprehensive assessment of losses and ensure adequate compensation for affected families. He also called for restoration of damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, electricity and drinking water facilities, on a war footing to help normalcy return at the earliest.
Reiterating that public service must remain the foremost duty of every elected representative, Adv. Sharma appealed to all political parties to rise above partisan considerations during natural disasters and work collectively for the welfare of the people.”The pain and suffering of flood victims should unite everyone. This is not the time for political point-scoring but for compassion, responsibility and decisive action. The people expect leadership on the ground, not politics from afar,” he added.