Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 28: Working president of the Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee, Raman Bhalla today conducted an extensive tour of RS Pura, where he addressed public concerns and strongly articulated the dual challenges confronting the Union Territory—economic distress under flawed GST policies and the absence of full Statehood.
Bhalla criticized the BJP-led Government for introducing what it describes as the “next phase of GST reforms,” terming them an “eye-wash” and a diversion from the deeper damage caused by earlier GST inflation. He observed that the inflated taxation structure has over the years placed an unprecedented burden on households, small traders, and micro enterprises, aggravating inflationary pressures on the economy.
“The BJP first inflated GST, directly fueling inflation and weakening small businesses. Now, in the name of reforms, it is attempting cosmetic changes without acknowledging the harm done. The people of this country deserve transparency, relief, and accountability, not political eyewash,” Bhalla stated.
Beyond economic concerns, Bhalla placed renewed emphasis on the urgent demand for restoration of full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir. He said the existing framework of dual governance, with significant powers concentrated in the hands of the Lieutenant Governor and others dispersed among limited elected representatives, has weakened democratic accountability and created serious administrative confusion.
“Governance cannot function effectively under divided authority. The absence of full statehood has disempowered the people of Jammu & Kashmir, restricted decision-making, and created policy paralysis. Statehood is not a concession—it is a constitutional and democratic right,” Bhalla asserted.
Bhalla was accompanied by senior party leaders including-Yashpal (Block president), Jasmeet Singh, Tirath Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Harjit Singh, Vikas Kant, Ashok Lahria and others. They extended support to Bhalla’s call for economic justice and restoration of Statehood, reaffirming Congress’s resolve to continue this struggle.
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