Says effective governance is reflected in balancing public aspirations with emergency administration
JAMMU, Jul 21: Senior public figure Col RK Sharma today commended Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for simultaneously pursuing the political aspirations of the people and ensuring an effective administrative response to the devastating flood situation in Rajouri and Poonch districts.
In a statement issued here, Col Sharma said the Chief Minister has demonstrated the qualities of a seasoned and responsible leader by maintaining a delicate balance between advocating for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and discharging his constitutional responsibility of leading the government during a natural calamity.
Referring to the Chief Minister’s participation in the Jantar Mantar protest demanding the restoration of statehood, Col Sharma said Omar Abdullah has consistently represented the democratic aspirations of the people by making repeated visits between Jammu and New Delhi to raise the issue before the appropriate forums.”Restoration of statehood is an issue closely linked with the aspirations and democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It deserves sustained political engagement and the Chief Minister has shown commitment in taking this demand forward,” he said.
At the same time, Col Sharma observed that the Chief Minister did not allow political engagements to overshadow his foremost responsibility towards governance during the flood emergency that struck Rajouri and Poonch. He appreciated the government’s prompt activation of administrative machinery, deployment of officials, and continuous monitoring of rescue and relief operations.
He said the manner in which the administration remained mobilized to deal with the flood situation reflected effective leadership and coordination. “A mature leader is one who remains available to the people in every situation—whether it is representing their aspirations on a national platform or ensuring that relief and rescue operations are carried out efficiently during a crisis,” he remarked.
Col Sharma noted that governance is judged not merely by speeches or political programmes but by the ability to respond swiftly to emergencies while continuing to pursue long-term public interests. He said the Chief Minister’s efforts to keep the government machinery functioning round the clock during the floods, even while actively pursuing the statehood issue, demonstrated administrative accountability and political maturity.
He further observed that the people expect their elected leadership to remain accessible, responsive and proactive, particularly during difficult times when lives, livelihoods and public infrastructure are at risk. The government’s continuous engagement with the evolving flood situation, he said, reassured affected families that the administration stood firmly with them.
Expressing solidarity with the flood-affected residents of Rajouri and Poonch, Col Sharma appreciated the efforts of the civil administration, disaster management authorities, security forces, police personnel, health workers and volunteers engaged in rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations. He urged all departments to continue working in close coordination until normalcy is fully restored and every affected family receives timely assistance, rehabilitation support and compensation in accordance with government norms.
Concluding, Col RK Sharma said that effective leadership lies in the ability to address multiple challenges simultaneously. “A seasoned politician is one who represents the people’s aspirations with conviction while ensuring that the government remains fully functional 24×7 during emergencies. The Chief Minister’s efforts to pursue the restoration of statehood without compromising the administration’s response to the flood crisis deserve appreciation,” he said.