Jammu, Oct 25: Criticising National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah’s reported remark that Pakistan was “protecting J&K people”, BJP MLA from Udhampur East Ranbir Singh Pathania on Sunday asked the Congress and the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to clarify whether they endorsed his (Farooq’) narrative.
“Jammu and Kashmir stands strengthened by the supreme sacrifices of its security forces, the Constitution of India and the resilience of its people—not by a country that unleashed tribal aggression in 1947 and has sustained cross-border terrorism,” Pathania said, while addressing the gathering after inaugurating two important road connectivity initiatives in Udhampur East—the road at Gadala Kandi in Panchayat Palnoo and the Khoon–Saltan road.
“Pakistan cannot be projected as a protector of the very people who have suffered its aggression and terrorism. Congress and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah must categorically clarify whether they endorse this narrative. National interest, constitutional integrity and the sacrifices of our security forces cannot be compromised at the altar of political expediency,” BJP MLA maintained.
Pathania asserted that Pakistan’s persistent attempts to internationalise the Kashmir issue cannot be viewed in isolation from its history of hostility towards India and the grave security challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir.
“When a senior political leader suggests that Pakistan is protecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the people have every right to seek clarity. Political leadership demands responsibility, particularly on issues concerning national interest, constitutional integrity and the future of our region,” he said.
BJP MLA added that any credible allegation of violation of law must be examined by the competent authorities, with strict penal action wherever warranted. Emphasising that the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserved responsible leadership, he said that the region had witnessed enough suffering due to terrorism, cross-border hostility and prolonged instability.
“Our resolve remains unwavering: terrorism must be driven out of Jammu and Kashmir, lock, stock and barrel. The future of our region must be built on peace, development, democratic institutions and accountable governance—not narratives that undermine public confidence or raise questions about our national commitment,” he stated.
Launching a broader attack on the National Conference, Pathania said that the controversy had once again brought into focus the growing disillusionment among people who had voted for the party with expectations of improved governance and fulfilment of electoral commitments.
He alleged that the NC government had faltered on its election promises, failed to adequately address several governance-related concerns and displayed considerable inconsistency between the positions taken by its MLAs and ministers.
“The people are disenchanted, disillusioned and disappointed. They were promised better governance, development and tangible relief in their daily lives. Instead of answering difficult questions about the implementation of electoral promises, administrative shortcomings and the growing disconnect between party MLAs and ministers, the NC leadership appears increasingly drawn towards divisive political rhetoric,” BJP MLA alleged.
Pathania said that the government appeared to be relying on political controversies and divisive narratives rather than addressing the everyday concerns of the people.
He maintained that the people of Jammu and Kashmir were entitled to ask what had happened to the promises made before the elections and what concrete measures were being taken to address unemployment, infrastructure gaps, public grievances and administrative inefficiencies.
“There is a clear distinction between governing and merely engaging in political rhetoric. The people want roads, employment opportunities, reliable public services and transparent administration. They want their elected representatives to deliver on their commitments. Political statements cannot substitute for governance, and rhetoric cannot conceal the failure to fulfil promises,” BJP MLA maintained.
Pathania further said that political discourse must be guided by facts, constitutional responsibility and the larger interests of the nation. He emphasised that electoral promises must translate into measurable outcomes and that governance must be judged by the quality of public services, the pace of infrastructure development and the ability to address citizens’ grievances.
Demonstrating his commitment to development-oriented public service, earlier Pathania inaugurated two important road connectivity initiatives in Udhampur East—the road at Gadala Kandi in Panchayat Palnoo and the Khoon–Saltan road, marking another step towards strengthening rural infrastructure and improving connectivity in the region.
“Udhampur East is emerging as a model of connectivity-led development. Our approach is straightforward: identify the genuine needs of the people, pursue the necessary interventions and ensure that development reaches the last mile. For us, roads are not merely stretches of concrete or macadam; they are lifelines that connect communities with opportunity, essential services and progress,” BJP MLA said.
He added that the inauguration of these roads reflected the larger commitment to improving rural connectivity, facilitating the movement of people and goods, and ensuring better access to essential services for residents of the area.
Pathania reiterated that development must be assessed by its tangible impact on ordinary citizens rather than by announcements or political claims. He said that efforts would continue to be made to take up local infrastructure requirements with the concerned departments and pursue their execution in the larger public interest.
Drawing a contrast between political controversies and development-oriented public service, he said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir expected their representatives to focus on issues that directly affected their lives.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir have every right to question their elected representatives and every political party must be prepared to answer those questions. The real test of leadership lies in the promises fulfilled, the roads constructed, the grievances resolved and the governance delivered,” he said.
Pathania reiterated that his focus would remain on public service, improved connectivity and the overall development of Udhampur East.
“While others may choose to engage in controversies, our commitment remains to the people and to the development of Udhampur East. We will continue to work towards better connectivity, improved infrastructure and a future built on peace, progress and public service,” he said.
