MT News Service
Jammu, December 30:
Newly appointed JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla on Thursday claimed there was widespread anger and resentment among the people of Jammu and Kashmir over the “arbitrary decision” of the BJP-led government to “disband and downgrade” the historically important state into two Union Territories.
He said that the people wanted restoration of statehood and were not happy with the policies of the administration.
“The decision of the BJP government to disband and downgrade the state into UTs was arbitrary, unilateral, unjust and against the wishes of the people of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir,” Bhalla said.
This was stated by former Minister during an impressive function organized by Lawyers fraternity led by former MLA Advocate Ashok Sharma to facilitate him on being appointed as JKPCC Working President.”
Prominent among those present on the occasion include MR Qureshi Ex MLC, OBC Department Congress Chairmen Adv. Suresh Kr. Dogra Adv. Zahid Sarfarsh Malik, BR Chandan, Satish Datta, Vijay Sharma, Manish Chopra, Nukul Sharma, Ashish Kotwal, Rahul Manhas, Inderjeet Abrol, Om Parkash Hans beside others.
In a statement issued to mercury times, while speaking on the occasion, Bhalla said that during my interactions with different sections of society, I found great anger among them over the downgrading of the historically important and socio-culturally rich Dogra state apart from being deprived of protection to jobs and lands,” Bhalla said.
He said that BJP government downgraded the status, dignity and identity of the Dogra State and deprived the youth of Right to Job, while the daily wagers and other temporary employees and others are suffering.
He said that Congress party will fight relentlessly for the rights of people of each and every section and every region against the wrong policies of BJP. Bhalla claimed that with each passing day it’s becoming clear that BJP leaders from Jammu region have not been able to give a proper feedback to the policy makers sitting in New Delhi.
Bhalla also supported Lawyers demands including construction of multi-storey building for housing Registration work, CAT, DRT & Tribunal within Court premises, establishment of Consumer Forums in Court premises and establishment of Consumer Commission & Human Rights Commission.
He urged upon the Government to resolve all the demands/issues of the legal fraternity as well as so as to give relief to the legal fraternity as well as civil society immediately.
Bhalla said the BJP’s entire politics seems to be based on being in power and nothing more.
He said that had these leaders been able to put forth the point of view of Jammu people in clear terms many issues could have got resolved by now.
“It seems that the leaders of J&K BJP have made their national leaders believe that all is well in Jammu and there is nothing to worry about.
They seem to have created a notion that whenever the Assembly elections are held in the newly carved out Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, BJP would emerge victorious and the first Chief Minister of the J&K UT will be from their party,” he added.
Bhalla further said that BJP leaders seem to be unaware about the ground realities.
He alleged that BJP has been totally failed to genuine issues of the people from Jammu region. Bhalla deliberated upon various day to day problems being faced by the public in the absence of any elected Govt.
He said that it is most unfortunate that the common people have no medium to raise their voice for their basic necessities like water, power, healthcare and education due to the neglect of the BJP Govt.
The people have to come on roads to express their anger and seek redressal of their genuine grievances.
The utter failure of BJP which had the mandate of Jammu region since 2014 to carry forward the projects initiated by the previous Govt both at State and Centre and to upgrade the infrastructure and augment various supply schemes, have resulted into total mess and several projects either lying standstill or going on snail’s paces.
Congress leader said the people have realized that they have to support Congress which can address their issues and fulfill their expectations.
On the collapse of administrative apparatus with regard to development and ensuring utility services, he said various projects are starving for funds, the payments under MGNREGA remain unpaid and the problems of daily rated workers and other segments of employees are yet to be sorted out.
Advocate Ashok Sharma speaking on the occasion welcomed the decision of party high command to appoint Raman Bhalla as Working President, as he is a hard working leader of the party, remains amongst the people in thick and thin and all weather leader of the people. He thanked Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, AICC General Secretary K.C.Venugopal and AICC Incharge J&K Affairs Smt. Rajni Patel for acceding to the proposal.
