BARAMULLA, SEPT 16: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma on Wednesday launched a broadside against the National Conference-led government, accusing it of failing to address pressing public issues and seeking refuge in the demand for restoration of statehood.
Addressing reporters in Baramulla, Sharma said the government could not use the statehood issue to avoid accountability for matters falling within its existing administrative responsibilities.
He alleged that corruption had increased and said the government had failed to adequately respond to the concerns of unemployed youth.
According to Sharma, instead of creating meaningful employment opportunities, the administration was relying on outsourcing to fill jobs.
“Let them pave the way for us. We will show how to work. They have the work, but they are not using it,” Sharma said while questioning the government’s functioning.
The LoP said the opposition would use the Assembly session to raise issues affecting various sections of society.
He specifically referred to the demands of NHM employees, daily wagers and Anganwadi workers, saying their concerns required the government’s attention.
Sharma also questioned the utilisation of funds provided by the Centre, alleging that resources were not translating adequately into visible development on the ground.
He connected the issue with the delay in elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies, stressing the need to strengthen elected institutions at the grassroots level.
Taking aim at the power sector, Sharma alleged that increased electricity charges had further burdened ordinary consumers. He said the government must address the impact of power tariffs instead of allowing public grievances to persist.
The opposition leader maintained that the BJP would continue to raise issues concerning the people and scrutinise the government’s performance inside the Assembly and through other democratic platforms.
His remarks come ahead of the upcoming Assembly session, with governance, employment, power tariffs, utilisation of development funds, local-body elections and statehood expected to remain among the issues drawing political attention.
