JAMMU, Jul 21: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Raman Suri today accused the National Conference (NC) of indulging in political theatrics over the issue of statehood while neglecting its primary responsibility of governing Jammu Kashmir, particularly at a time when several flood-affected areas require the government’s full attention.
Raman Suri said it is unfortunate that instead of standing with people affected by the recent floods in Rajouri, Poonch and other parts of Jammu Kashmir, the National Conference leadership chose to camp in New Delhi to stage protests on an issue that is already a stated commitment of the Government of India.
He added that the NC’s latest protest has exposed divisions even among Kashmir-centric political parties, with every party appearing more interested in claiming political credit than sincerely working in the interests of Jammu Kashmir. “Even their alliance partners have publicly pointed out that the NC ignored similar protests organised by them earlier. This clearly shows that the race is not for statehood but for political mileage,” he remarked.
Suri asserted that all major political parties are aware that the restoration of statehood will happen at an appropriate time after the Centre is fully satisfied with the prevailing security and administrative situation in Jammu Kashmir. “No amount of political posturing or street protests can determine that process. Responsible governance and ensuring lasting peace are the real priorities,” he said.
The BJP leader urged the Omar Abdullah-led government to stop indulging in political optics and instead devote its complete attention to relief, rehabilitation and restoration efforts in flood-affected areas. “The people elected this government to solve their problems, not to organise protests in Delhi on a settled issue. At a time when families are suffering and infrastructure has been damaged by floods, the government’s place is among the people, not on the streets of the national capital,” he added.
“The restoration of full statehood is not an issue that requires political drama or competitive protests. The union government has repeatedly made its commitment clear. The NC is merely trying to play to the gallery and divert public attention from its failure to address pressing issues affecting the people especially when other Kashmir-centric political parties are also not with NC over this demand,” Suri said.