KATHUA, Jun 4: Launching a sharp attack on the National Conference-led government, BJP leader and MLA Jasrota Rajiv Jasrotia on Thursday asserted that governance must never take a backseat to political firefighting, saying the people of Jammu and Kashmir are looking for solutions to their everyday problems rather than witnessing prolonged efforts by the ruling dispensation to resolve its internal differences.
Addressing party workers and members of the public, Jasrotia expressed serious concern over what he described as the government’s misplaced priorities at a time when citizens across the Union Territory are grappling with a range of pressing issues. Referring to reports of lengthy deliberations within the ruling establishment aimed at addressing internal matters, he said such developments raise questions about the government’s commitment to public welfare and efficient administration.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir elected this government to govern, not to remain consumed by internal political management. Every hour spent on settling political differences is an hour lost in addressing the genuine concerns of citizens who expect accountability, responsiveness and development,” Jasrotia said.
The BJP legislator observed that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and several cabinet ministers are entrusted with crucial portfolios carrying enormous responsibility. He maintained that the government should be devoting its full attention to improving public services, accelerating developmental projects, creating employment opportunities and ensuring timely delivery of essential services. Instead, he alleged, governance appears to be suffering as political considerations continue to dominate the government’s agenda.
Jasrotia said people from every section of society—farmers, youth, traders, employees, women and senior citizens—are increasingly voicing concerns over delays in administrative decision-making and inadequate attention to public grievances. He noted that citizens frequently approach elected representatives seeking intervention in matters relating to infrastructure, public utilities, welfare schemes and departmental functioning, underscoring the urgent need for a more proactive and people-centric administration.
“The aspirations of the people are immense. They expect roads to be built, public services to improve, employment opportunities to expand and grievances to be resolved promptly. Governance must be visible not in conference rooms but on the ground where people’s lives are directly affected,” he remarked.
Calling for greater accountability and administrative efficiency, Jasrotia urged the government to institute regular performance reviews of departments and ensure that ministers remain accessible to the public. He stressed that the success of any government is measured by its ability to deliver results and improve the quality of life of its citizens rather than by its capacity to manage political contradictions within its ranks.
The MLA further stated that Jammu and Kashmir stands at a crucial juncture where focused governance, transparent decision-making and speedy implementation of development initiatives are essential for sustaining public trust. He cautioned that any perception of governance being overshadowed by internal political concerns could erode confidence among the people and hamper the pace of progress.
Reiterating his commitment to raising public issues, Jasrotia urged the ruling leadership to place the welfare of citizens above all other considerations and dedicate itself wholeheartedly to addressing the challenges confronting the Union Territory. “The people deserve a government that remains fully engaged with their concerns, responsive to their aspirations and unwavering in its commitment to development and good governance,” he added.