Bhalla calls on voters to support Congress in its fight for true development of J&K
Former Chief Minister of Punjab and now Member Parliament Charanjeet Singh Channi today during party’s campaign for ongoing Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday addressing a mammoth gathering at Model Town, Ward 57 said his party would “restore statehood to J&K after coming to power”. Addressing a mammoth gathering in Jammu today, Channi further emphasized that the Congress has played a vital role over the last decade in keeping secularism alive in Jammu and Kashmir and has continuously worked towards maintaining peace, harmony, and communal brotherhood across the region.
Channi expressed confidence that if the Alliance is voted to power in the upcoming elections, it will prioritize addressing the genuine concerns of the people and bringing about much-needed economic and social reforms. He appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to vote for Alliance in the 2nd and 3rd phase elections, assuring them that Alliance has the vision and resolve to restore peace and prosperity in the region. He urged the public to support the Alliance’s agenda of safeguarding the future of Jammu and Kashmir and ensuring that the state is steered towards development and stability under a secular framework.
Channi also criticized the BJP’s manifesto for Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a “bundle of lies” designed to mislead and deceive the people of the region. Responding to promises made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Channi criticized the BJP for offering false hopes while failing to address critical issues during its decade-long governance. He pointed out that despite being in power at both the Centre and in J&K, the BJP has failed to meet the basic needs of the people, leaving them to suffer.
Highlighting the contradictions in the BJP’s manifesto, he questioned the introduction of schemes like the ‘Maa Samman Yojana,’ offering Rs 18,000 annually to the eldest women in families, when no such initiatives were implemented during the party’s tenure. He also accused the BJP of neglecting women, senior citizens, and marginalized communities. He asserted that till date the senior citizens are facing huge hardships in want of pension in Jammu and Kashmir. Channi also raised concerns over the BJP’s failure to curb terrorism, despite claims of bringing peace to the region. He criticized the BJP for failing to improve security, as terrorism has not only persisted but is rising in Jammu.
Channi criticized the BJP’s handling of employment in J&K, stating that despite numerous vacant posts, no efforts were made to fill them. Instead, the J&K youth have became victims of multiple recruitment scams. He also ridiculed the promise of free LPG cylinders, noting that thousands of families still struggling to afford even one due to rising prices.On education, he pointed out that the closure of hundreds of Govt schools in Jammu and Kashmir which has deprived students of quality education, and new promises of Rs 3,000 under the Pragati Shiksha Yojana are mere election gimmicks. He emphasized that unemployment and lack of opportunities have worsened since August 5 2019
Speaking on the occasion, Bhalla urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to reject the BJP’s election tactics and false promises. He assured that Congress remains committed to real development, peace, and the well-being of the region’s people. He called on voters to support Congress in its fight for the true development of J&K. He criticized the BJP Government for abysmal handling of the economy, alleging that the region’s economic health has deteriorated significantly under the present regime and middle class, marginalized society are worst sufferers of directionless policies of BJP.The Congress stalwart leader asserted that the full-fledged State had been downgraded into two Union Territories. He said that since then the industrial sector of J&K UT is not in good shape, and the much-touted investments and job creation have failed to materialize on the ground.
Bhalla claimed that the government’s grand announcements regarding marginalized sections are also unfounded as these people are the worst sufferers of the directionless policies of those sitting at helm and making big claims. He said that both the Center and the UT’s administration have failed to provide the very basic amenities to the people as every time, those in power corridors come up with new excuses for worsening power crisis, shortage of potable water, dearth-ridden healthcare facilities and other necessities which are imperative for dignified and convenient life. Bhalla said that only Congress can bail out people from the current morass as it knows the basic issues and problems of the people of all corners in the region and is adroit enough to steer the region to new heights of success and progress.
Bhalla claimed that under BJP rule, outsiders were being allocated land, resources, and jobs, while locals in J&K grappled with rising prices, high taxes, water shortages, and poverty, apart from issues with the electricity supply, and excessive billing for it through smart meters.Jammu and Kashmir is facing the highest percentage of unemployment in India. Educated people don’t have employment opportunities. Earlier, they had the option of joining the Indian Army, but now the BJP has brought the Agniveer scheme,” said Bhalla.
“The unemployment is rising because the government is working only to benefit 2-3 industrialists,” he alleged.He expressed confidence in the people’s desire for change, noting that Congress meetings in the region are witnessing large turnouts. “The enthusiasm for the Congress is clear, as people are fed up with the false promises and hollow slogans of the BJP,” he said.“The Congress-NC alliance is determined to address critical issues that have plagued Jammu and Kashmir under BJP rule, with a focus on smart meters, Statehood, unemployment, safeguarding state laws, fighting corruption, and tackling the drug mafia,” Bhalla asserted.
