SRINAGAR, SEPT 19: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma on Saturday stepped up his attack on the National Conference-led government, questioning its ability to address basic public issues and alleging that the administration was repeatedly using “lack of powers” as an explanation for unresolved grievances.
During an extensive BJP public outreach programme in Srinagar, Sharma met delegations representing trade unions, traders, business groups, transporters, civil society, professionals, medical associations, students and other sections, hearing complaints related to infrastructure, public services, employment and workers’ issues.
J&K BJP Secretary Arif Raja, Co-Convenor All Cells Bilal Parray, senior leader Dr Ali Mohd Mir and District Presidents Adv Sheikh Salman and Gh Hasan were also present.
Sharma said people were seeking solutions to what he described as basic governance issues, including electricity infrastructure, shortage of staff in schools, vacancies of doctors and paramedics, damaged roads and potholes, employment and civic amenities.
He alleged that the government had, over the past two years, repeatedly cited the absence of powers while responding to public grievances. Sharma questioned why routine administrative matters were being linked to the question of restoration of Statehood.
“If the government believes that every issue requires Statehood, then it must explain what responsibilities it is presently discharging and why,” Sharma said.
The BJP leader also raised the issues of Daily Wagers, GRS, Technical Assistants, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and NHM employees, saying their demands concerning job security, remuneration and regularisation required urgent attention.
He further alleged growing public complaints over corruption, delays in Panchayat elections, higher power tariffs and lack of employment opportunities for youth. These allegations reflect Sharma’s political assessment of the government’s performance and were not independently established in the statement.
Sharma said the BJP would take the issues raised during the Srinagar outreach to the appropriate authorities and the Legislative Assembly, while continuing its public engagement across Jammu and Kashmir.
The outreach comes ahead of the Assembly session, with the BJP Opposition preparing to put issues of governance, employment, public services and accountability before the House.
“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.
