Betrayal of J&K under BJP rule continues unabated: Bhalla
Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, Sept 22 :
Launching a stinging attack on the Narendra Modi-led Union government, All India Mahila Congress Chief and Congress national spokesperson Alka Lamba Sunday called BJP’s nationalism “fake and a tool to benefit PM’s crony capitalist friends”. She was addressing an impressive election gathering in favour of JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla at Reen Palace in Gadigarh area of RS Pura Jammu South constituency. Lamba also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly neglecting important issues such as development, unemployment and inflation.”The people of Jammu and Kashmir have faced the worst under the dictatorial government over the years. Jammu and Kashmir wants freedom from this dictatorial government and we will ensure that,” she said.
“You (BJP government) took away the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir, imposed President’s rule, and run J&K from Delhi,” she charged.Lamba also lauded the Supreme Court for ordering the government to hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. She attacked Prime Minister Modi for allegedly dividing people on religious lines and neglecting important issues.”The prime minister does not talk about development, unemployment, inflation, farmers or women, but only about religious issues to divert attention,” she said. While claiming that the Congress will form a majority Government in Jammu and Kashmir on October 8, Alka Lamba stated today that the people of J&K have faced nothing but injustice over the last 10 years. “For the past 10 years, J&K has endured only injustice. The announcement of elections marks a victory for the people of J&K and for democracy.
Alka Lamba claimed that Rahul Gandhi’s five promises have resonated strongly with the women here. During his visit, he addressed issues like price rise, unemployment and women’s participation. The women here voiced their needs for ration and job reservations, and we are committed to address these demands on priority,” she said. Lamba, also said that people are eager to vote, elect their representatives, and have their issues resolved, stressing that there will be a significant change on October 8, and that Congress will have a full majority Government.She added: “Nobody is safe in this country. Securing the people is the responsibility of the Government. If they are unable to do it, then they do not have the right to govern.”She said that if Congress is elected to power, they will establish Women’s Police Stations in every district and resolve other day-to-day issues.“These stations will be manned by women, and recruitment will be conducted accordingly.
Bhalla in his address said that “People have to decide who they want to represent them, especially who can deliver. I can say on behalf of Congress that we will deliver. The moment we are elected, the first fight will be for the restoration of Statehood.” He said that BJP has lost its moral authority to approach the people of Jammu, citing a series of betrayals.The former Minister took a swipe at the BJP, highlighting the “trail of deception and a failed government”. He said the Modi Government failed in the areas of the economy, foreign policy, communal harmony, inflation, farmers’ income, national security, and the welfare of marginalised communities such as the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other backward classes.
Bhalla alleged the ten years of BJP rule has made the J&K “miserable”. “The people of J&K have only seen the scene of devastation in ten years. The BJP government has thrown J&K into devastation. Deteriorating economic condition and rising unemployment have become the most pressing problems before the nation,” he said, adding, “It is time for us to stand in the name of humanity against ideas of divisiveness and nefarious designs of perpetuating identity-based hatred by destructive forces in order to save this nation.”“Our deteriorating economic condition and rising unemployment have become the most pressing problems before J&K. Anti-people policies of the government have made the everyday life of common citizen miserable,” he added.
Coming down heavily on the BJP leadership for indulging in a “misinformation campaign” against Congress, Bhalla said in Jammu and Kashmir, we initiated big infrastructure projects in J&K. You see hospitals, road connectivity, schools, Degree Colleges, University Campuses, Medical Colleges, widening of Jammu-Srinagar national highway, numerous drinking water supply schemes, power supply to all almost every village and remote belt of the state. It is not BJP but tireless efforts of Congress party that the people of the J&K are on the path of development and prosperity.” He said Jammu people are now realizing their mistake committed in 2014 and 2019 as these people who were sent by the voters to raise their voice remained unheard for ten long years. It is hoped that the people of Jammu will surely correct the past mistake and reject such opportunists and exploiters and show them their place in the future elections. It seems they have no time and commitment for the welfare of the people & country, and that electioneering, not governance is a priority for the NDA Government at the Centre.
Extending full support to the cause of Punjabi speaking people for the introduction and promotion of Punjabi language in the schools, Bhalla criticized BJP Govt for its discriminatory attitude which has caused genuine resentment amongst the Punjabi speaking and other similar linguistic groups in J&K.Questioning the move of the Govt, Bhalla said that on one hand it has caused unnecessary and uncalled for burden on students community by introduction of and other compulsory subject besides causing great resentment and hurting the aspirations of Punjabi speaking community and other such linguistic groups which have been recognized as per scheduled VI of the J&K Constitution. The Congress government will review the policy and respect the aspirations of Punjabi speaking people as well as other similar linguistic groups giving these languages their due place and recognition and equal chances of promotions.
Bhalla asked as to why the BJP governments at the Centre and in the state reduced the one-time settlement of POK Refugees to a paltry Rs 5.5 lakh per family instead of the recommended Rs 25 lakh per family by the Congress-led government and endorsed & enhanced to 30lacs.JKPCC Working President charged the BJP Government with failure to address all the outstanding issues of the refugees from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).“The present Government is not serious to address their long pending issues of PoK refugees,” he said and reminded that Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, during his visit to Jammu before the Assembly elections in 2014, had assured the PoK displaced persons that their issues would be addressed and they must wait for the same.Bhalla said the Congress Government will re-examine the one-time package that was sent to the Centre by the previous Government and take a decision on it. He asked the DPs to keep full faith in Congress, which will provide them justice.Regarding their other issues like updating records, registration of left out families, ownership rights, reservation of their wards for getting admission in Government institutions, according backward status to them, Bhalla said that Congress Government would examine these issues afresh and take appropriate steps to address the same.
