BJP Govt did injustice to all sections in J&K: Bhalla

Cong leader Raman Bhalla addressing public in Jammu on Sunday.
Cong leader Raman Bhalla addressing public in Jammu on Sunday.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 14: Former minister and senior Congress leader Raman Bhalla today sought redressal of grievances of the people saying that the Government had failed to ensure basic facilities to the people.
Addressing a public gathering of aggrieved people of Nai Basti area, former minister said that the Government should lay emphasis on required facilities to the people on a priority. He said people are living a difficult life and want an end to their miseries. He said that Congress feels duty-bound to work for the wellbeing of the people.
“Congress is an instrument of service to the people and will continue to remain at the forefront to highlight the genuine needs concerning the people for their resolution,” he said.
Referring to the current situation, he said, “The situation in the country is different now as the democratic institutions are under the threat. The saner voices are being muzzled by the BJP and its offshoots, which is a matter of serious concern.”
Former minister further said that it is the duty of every right-thinking person to raise his or her voice against these undemocratic policies to ensure that there is no damage to the very foundations of the country,” he said. “Congress has strengthened the democratic set up of the country and it will continue to work in that direction despite the coercion and other pressure tactics by the ruling BJP. Urging the Government of India to start the developmental process in J&K, he said it had come to a standstill since BJP assumed power at New Delhi.
“Mere claims and running paper horses with regard to the wellbeing of the people and development of J&K won’t serve any purpose. There is a need to address the developmental issues, rising unemployment and other major issues concerning the people,” he added.
Bhalla said Congress was desirous of real empowerment of the people in Jammu and Kashmir through the restoration of statehood. “The political philosophy that formed the edifice of the Congress Party’s agenda encompasses the true empowerment of the people through restoration of statehood and legal safeguards for their land and jobs,” he said. Bhalla said that the political empowerment of the people goes through the route of socio-economic development.”
For addressing alienation among the people, statehood should be restored to J&K with dignity and honour, he reiterated.