Bhalla meets Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi

 Holds discussion over wide range of issues concerning people of J&K

New Delhi, June 23, 2023:- JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla today met former Party President Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi and apprised her of the political situation in J&K besides had a detailed discussion with the former Party President over the wide range of issues concerning people of J&K.He apprised Mrs Gandhi about political scenario and ongoing organisational activities of the party. He also discussed the feedback from the workers and people about the functioning of present BJP government and the role being played by the Congress to represent and highlight the issues of people of  J&K.

Bhalla also discussed various measures for further strengthening the party in J&K. He also briefed Sonia Gandhi about the socio-political developments in Jammu and Kashmir, especially rising unemployment, lack of development and other issues of public importance.  He also briefed the leadership about the fallout of disconnect between the present dispensation and people in absence of the popular government leading to restlessness amongst the people.

Mrs Gandhi asked the JKPCC Working President to unitedly fight the “anti- people and anti-youth policies” of the ruling BJP and defeat their “divisive agenda” in Jammu and Kashmir, to strengthen the party and gear up their activities keeping an eye on the forthcoming Assembly elections.She appreciated JKPCC Working President  and cadres for their struggle and commitment to fight against the communal and divisive forces in Jammu and Kashmir urging them to strengthen the Congress Party at grass roots, as that, it is the Congress Party which has served and shall continue to serve the people.

Mrs Gandhi  asked Bhalla to activate the cadres at various levels in order to highlight issues of people and expose the failures and falsehood of BJP and the failures of the Centre government in J&K to come up to the expectations of the people on various vital commitments. The party should highlight the issues of people in J&K with a view to launch an offensive against BJP for their failures on various fronts besides neglect and failures to fulfill the commitments with the people of J&K.

Bhalla urged upon the Central government to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir with job and land security for the locals. He lambasted previous BJP government in the state for exploiting the daily wagers in various departments for not fulfilling their long time pending genuine demands. He said due to callous and non-serious attitude of governments families of daily wagers across J&K are facing a starvation-like situation.He said that people are now fed up of the BJP lead dictatorial regime. Common man was suffering in the hands of the administration which has adopted an adamant behaviour and is working on the lines which is completely anti- public.

 Bhalla said that unemployment and inflation in Jammu and Kashmir is all time high which has pushed people towards starvation. He said that the financial health of the people is getting worse with every passing day. He said that BJP’s unilateral decisions have added to the long prevailing political instability and alienation in the region besides violating the spirit of federalism in the country. The party rank and file in J&K, he said, stands behind people of J&K in its ongoing efforts for the protection of the identity of Jammu and Kashmir.

Bhalla said LG Administration has failed on all fronts and the BJP is insensitive towards the problems of the youth. Law and order, education and health are in very bad shape. There is resentment among people and the youths are angry. This is because the attitude of the BJP towards the problems of the youth is insensitive.”The youth raises its voice, but the police wields a cane to silence his voice. Now, no one believes in the hollow claims made to the youth about providing jobs ,” he said. The country is reminded again and again of nine failures of the BJP Government including rising inflation, high unemployment, suppression of democracy, failure to safeguard National security, hate politics, historic fall of the Rupee, economic collapse and erosion of social fabric,” said Bhalla.

Bhalla said that it was claimed that BJP’s decisions will bring peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir. “But even after eight years , we do not see any new development, employment and economy improvement. There is no visage of good governance,” he added. He said they were speaking about massive industrialization but the reality on ground is completely different. “Not a new industry has come here. Our own handicrafts and other small scale industries are on the verge of collapse. The governance is confined to photo-ops and shoddy propaganda,” he said adding, “There is no space for any voice, critical of the government’s action. Silence has been achieved on all dissent.”

(NOTE: PRESS RELEASE PUBLISHED AS RECEIVED)