BJP can’t run away too long, will have to face people’s raging anger: Bhalla

Several deputations call on JKPCC Working President

JAMMU, May 08, 2023:- Several deputations and individuals today called on JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla, here at his residence.The people’s deputations representing different areas of   Jammu and Kashmir met the former Minister and projected local issues of their respective areas primarily related to development of infrastructure, improvement of basic amenities and also contemporary public issues, including inflation, unemployment and imposition of the property tax.

The deputations strongly resented decision of the Jammu Kashmir Housing Board to allot flats to non-locals in Jammu. They said that it shows the real intentions of Bhartiya Janata Party which is eager to dislodge locals from Jammu. They said that there are plans to establish Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHC) in Sunjwan, and online applications are being accepted from Indian citizens who have relocated to Jammu for employment, education, or long-term tourism purposes.

They said that these flats were constructed by Congress Govt particularly for areas Gorakh Nagar,Bzigar Basti,Bahu Fort,Rajiv Nagar and Nai Basti for providing rental housing for EWS/LIG urban migrants including labour, urban poor (street vendors, rickshaw pullers, other service providers etc.), industrial workers but BJP Govt is allotting these flats to outsiders which is unjustified.

Addressing deputationists , Bhalla said people of Jammu feel let-down and betrayed due to contemptuous assault on their sensitivities, he said and referred to lands being allotted to non-state subjects and even 336 low income group flats handed over to non- local labourers under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (Urban) Mission in the Sunjwan area. Local poor people have been deprived of housing facilities.

“This is indication of the events to follow”, Bhalla said, adding that the main brunt of wrong decisions of BJP Govt is being faced by Jammu. The BJP has failed in addressing the concerns of the people, raised by Congress from time to time, as they are not sincere towards the urges and aspirations of the people in this part of the country. Describing eligibility to jobs and ownership of lands as the most emotive and sensitive issue, he said one after another decision raises many serious questions on the intentions of the BJP and the Centre. The people are genuinely feeling let down in the wake of one after another inimical move of the administration. The governments, both at the Centre and here are not walking the talk, which is evident first by the issuance of domicile rules and their implementation that have pushed the permanent residents to the wall.

Emphasizing the importance of unity and harmony among people of Jammu and Kashmir, regardless of their regional identities and religious affiliations, Bhalla stated vested interests have been attempting to divide us on the basis of region, religion, ethnicity, and other factors to gain power. He added, “Rather than providing job opportunities for the local population, outsiders are being given preference in the ongoing developmental projects. Ideally, locals should have been given priority for employment opportunities, but we observe that everyone from contractors to laborers is being brought in from outside, as if we have a shortage of manpower here in Jammu and Kashmir.”

Urging Union Govt to hold assembly elections in J&K without a further delay, Bhalla said, “Selecting their own representatives to serve in the government is a fundamental democratic right that must not be denied to the people. We have faith in the democratic values of our country, and we aspire to the same rights that are enjoyed by people in other regions of the country.”Bhalla promised that if the party is elected to form the government, it will undertake a series of initiatives to ensure social justice and economic benefits for the people. He said, “We have a vision and a roadmap to ensure the economic empowerment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. I assure you that we will ensure impartial development of all regions and prosperity for all citizens, regardless of their regional, religious, or political affiliations.”

Expressing his concern about the pathetic condition of those who are working as daily wagers in various government departments for years, Bhalla said, “I promise you that we will ensure regularization of the daily wagers if elected, take charge of the government.”Reiterating Congress agenda, Bhalla said, “Congress believes in positive politics. We pursue a policy and agenda that will end the turmoil and negative politics in J&K, where people have hugely suffered during the past more than nine years. People cannot afford further destruction here, thus we have to work hard to make positive changes here so that people could live peaceful and fearless life. Our people have been deeply wounded over the years and they require care and solace in terms of a peaceful and prosperous environment.”

 The down sliding of democracy has hurt every sector of Jammu and Kashmir without any exception. The litmus test for a democracy is if the policy decisions are made through democratic procedure and have popular support. Unfortunately, the current administration’s decisions sans both, Bhalla said. “People will punish them through elections as and when they are held.

They cannot run away from it for long, one or the other day they have to face the people’s raging anger,” he added. “I wonder why the administration is hell-bent to settle everything at once. Important public issues and sensitive matters should be left for the government that will come up with a public mandate in the forthcoming elections here,” Bhalla said. “It is sad to see difficult orders are successively being passed. Such directives should come up only after proper deliberations and discussion, and while keeping the public sentiments in view. I would suggest that such decisions should be kept for an elected govt to take”, he said.

(NOTE: PRESS RELEASE PUBLISHED AS RECEIVED)