KHOUR, Sep 7: Working President JKPCC and former Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand today came down heavily over rising inflation, unemployment, increasing electricity tariffs and what he termed the failure to fulfil major promises made to the people, asserting that the common man is bearing the brunt of rising costs and growing economic hardships.
Addressing a workers’ meeting of the Akhnoor and Chhamb Assembly constituencies at Chak Malal, Tarachand said inflation has emerged as one of the biggest challenges confronting ordinary families, with the rising cost of essential commodities putting unprecedented pressure on household budgets.
The common man is struggling to run his family. Inflation has increased the cost of living, unemployment has taken away hope from our youth, and rising electricity bills have added another burden on already distressed households, Tarachand said.
Questioning the government and elected representatives over promises made during elections, Tarachand demanded accountability and sought clear answers from those in power.
“Where is the promise of one lakh jobs? Where are the free LPG cylinders promised to the people? And what happened to the commitment to abolish smart meters? The people have a right to know why these promises have not been fulfilled,” he said.
Expressing serious concern over unemployment among educated youth, Tarachand said thousands of young people possessing degrees and professional qualifications are waiting for meaningful employment opportunities and a secure future.
He also highlighted the problems being faced by daily wagers, urging the government to address their long-pending demands and provide them with job security and a dignified livelihood.
“Our youth need employment, not empty assurances. Daily wagers need justice and security, not repeated promises. The government must come forward with a concrete roadmap to address these issues,” he asserted.
Tara Chand also criticized the increase in power tariffs, saying that ordinary consumers are already struggling to cope with rising prices of essential commodities.
“People are already fighting inflation. Increasing the power burden at this stage is an additional blow to the common man. The government should provide relief to poor and middle-class families instead of continuously increasing their financial burden,” he said.
Raising important local issues, Tarachand expressed serious concern over the deteriorating condition of the Jorian-Pallanwala road, describing it as a major problem affecting thousands of residents. He said poor road connectivity is causing inconvenience to students, employees, farmers, traders, patients and daily commuters and demanded immediate measures for proper repair and improvement of the road. Development cannot remain confined to announcements and publicity while people in rural areas continue to struggle for basic infrastructure. The concerns of the people must be addressed on the ground, he said.
Taking a strong stand on public accountability, Tarachand questioned the role of elected representatives and said the people deserve an account of the promises made to them during elections. People remember the promises made to them. Elections cannot be limited to slogans and assurances. Once elected, representatives have a responsibility to return to the people, listen to their grievances and deliver on their commitments. The people are asking a simple question—where are the elected representatives and where is their accountability?” he said.
Calling upon Congress workers to strengthen the party at the grassroots level, Tarachand urged them to remain continuously connected with the people and take up their genuine issues with the concerned authorities.
He asked party workers to intensify public outreach programmes and ensure that the grievances of the people are highlighted at every appropriate forum. He called for complete unity, discipline and coordination among Congress workers of Akhnoor and Chhamb as the party prepares for the forthcoming Panchayat and Municipal elections. He emphasized the need to strengthen the party organization at the booth, village and block levels and urged workers to work collectively to take the Congress message to every section of society.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included Madan Lal Sharma, Jaswant Singh, Tarsem Singh, Bodhraj Sharma, Rajkumar, Devinder Singh, Sanjeev Bhagat, Kamal Kumar, Joginder kumar Sharma, Suraj Singh, Sharda kumari, Rampal Sharma, Ishar Dass, Hansraj, Yusuf Masih and others.