Srinagar, Sep 19: Leader of Opposition (LOP) in the J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma on Saturday said statehood was not needed to install poles and pipes.
Holding interactions with delegations representing trade unions, businesses, traders, transporters, civil society, intellectuals, professionals, medical associations, students, and other sections of society in Srinagar, Sharma said the absence of statehood cannot be used as blanket excuse for basic public issues.
The interactions were part of the BJP’s ongoing public outreach programme across Jammu and Kashmir.
The delegations raised issues concerning their respective sectors, including electricity infrastructure, shortage of staff in schools, availability of doctors in hospitals, damaged roads and potholes, employment, and civic amenities.
Sharma said the concerns would be taken up with the concerned authorities and, wherever required, raised during the upcoming Assembly session.
“People are raising basic and genuine issues— electricity poles, shortage of staff in schools, doctors in hospitals, damaged roads and potholes, employment-related concerns and civic amenities. These are issues that require governance and administrative action,” he said.
Sharma alleged that the National Conference-led government had repeatedly cited “lack of powers” over the past two years while responding to issues confronting the people, saying this had created “confusion and frustration” among the public.
“People want their day-to-day problems to be addressed. Electricity infrastructure, school staff, doctors in hospitals and roads do not wait for political circumstances,” he said.
Sharma also raised concerns over the issues faced by Daily Wagers, GRS, Technical Assistants, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and NHM employees, particularly regarding job security, remuneration and regularisation.
He further referred to complaints regarding alleged corruption, delays in Panchayat elections, increased power tariffs and employment-related concerns among youth.
“Thousands of young people are looking for opportunities and a secure future. The government must address their concerns instead of allowing frustration to grow,” Sharma said. The Leader of Opposition said the issues raised by the delegations would be taken up at appropriate forums, including the J&K Legislative Assembly and, wherever necessary, with the Central Government.
He said the BJP would continue its outreach programme across J&K and raise public issues through “constitutional and democratic forums”.
“Our responsibility as the Opposition is to listen to the people, raise their issues in the Assembly and ensure that the government is held accountable,” Sharma said.
J&K BJP Secretary Arif Raja, Co-Convenor All Cells Bilal Parray, senior leader Ali Muhammad Mir, District Presidents Sheikh Salman, and Ghulam Hasan were also present.
