Shadow Correspondent
poonch, Mar, 28
Former Minister and Congress candidate from Jammu Poonch Parliamentary constituency Raman Bhalla Thursday claimed that development deficit has badly affected Poonch district as previous state government failed to come up with any solid approach for the people of this border district. This was stated by Bhalla while addressing huge public gatherings at Mandi, Surankote, Baflaiz in Poonch. The programme was organized by Distt President Ch. Abdul Ghani .Prominent among those present on the occasion include Ex MLA NC Aizaz Jan , Bagh Hussain Rathore, Sayeed, Mir Shah, Mahinder Singh, Shabir Shah, Gurjit Singh, Ch. Zakir Hussain , Khwaja Amir Din ,Ch. Mohd Rashid, Retd. SP Talib Hussain, Mohd Shabir Chauhan, Adv. Rajinder Singh, Janak Singh, Gulzar Jatt, Kaushal Dutt, S.Ajit Singh, Sanjeev Sharma, Jaswant Singh, Mashooq Hussain, Sarpanch, Panch, corporators, supporters voters in large number. In his address, Bhalla said that Congress government had started several vital projects for Poonch which were shelved by previous government thereby putting the district in a state of governance deficit. He further said that many new administrative units were also opened by than Congress government in second phase but previous government even shelved that order. Bhalla asked party cadre to hike their mass contact program as some forces are also working to divide people on the name of caste and religion. Bhalla said that Congress has always remained at forefront in taking the administration to door-steps of the people in order to assuage their urges and aspiration. He referred to the under-development of Poonch during the misrule of BJP saying the people of the area will give BJP befitting reply through their power of votes in the ensuing elections. He said the insensitive coalition failed on all fronts, be that development or implementation of various welfare schemes. He said the discredited and rejected alliance had no policy for youth in particular.BJP Govt failed to address issues pertained to scarce rations, dilapidated condition of roads, erratic power and drinking water supply besides poor health care facilities.He assailed the divisive and hate politics of the BJP saying this is detrimental to the harmonious growth of society and time tested inclusive traditions of the State. He hoped that the people of the state will isolate polarizing forces in the ensuing elections. Bhalla strongly maintained that development of Poonch remained a distant dream for the people of Poonch under BJP rule who are living under the shadow of Gunfire from across the border and this is the hard reality and we all must acknowledge this. The young brigade who are the assets of any Nation today seem to be confused because they have to travel and spend all their time in getting their grievances redressed, and rather in the pace get distracted and they virtually loose their trust in the system, said Bhalla.He said Congress is committed to providing a transparent and accountable administration which works for the betterment and welfare of the common citizen.
The Public leaders are the bridge between the citizens and the Government and thus the responsibility lies on our shoulders to bring government closer to our citizens, so that they become active participants in the governance process, said Bhalla.
He accused BJP Govt of plunging Jammu and Kashmir into uncertainty, saying their inherent contradictions led to unprecedented political crisis. Instead of solving the problems confronting the state, BJP played to galleries and remained indulged in personal issues. Previous government lost its credibility and the administration its efficacy due to leadership deficit. The end sufferers remain the people, who find themselves at the cross roads,” he maintained. He said power has never been the destination of Congress, which he described as a mass movement.
Bhalla alleged that the BJP superimposed personal interest over public welfare. The pretention of self-styled champions of Jammu cause fell flat when it came to deliverance during it’s over three year’s misrule. I will keep highlighting every issue, major or minor, to see this constituency progress and prosper, notwithstanding the odds”, he assured the people and said that their support and cooperation is vital for him to work for the betterment of the constituency. Referring to the historic role of his party in the political orientation of the State, Bhalla said that history stands testimony to the fact that Congress never compromised its principles for the sake of power but stood firm when it came to defending the interests of the people and the party.”It was with this greater objective of serving the people and enhancing their quality of life and to steer the State to peace and progress, Congress left no stone unturned in serving state people in possible best way.It was Congress Govt which restored peace, herald normalcy and instil sense of confidence among people. Bhalla said Congress believes in healthy politics and expects fair-play by others in the political arena rather than intrigue and deceit. He cautioned his party workers against the machinations of those dividing the people in the name of caste, creed, colour and religion and urged them not to get swayed by provocations. Those believing in negative politics, he said, are destined to fall. He reiterated that his party will fight disruptive forces tooth and nail and not allow vested interests to play with the sentiments of the people.
