Pathania slams NC Govt over power tariff hike, unfulfilled poll promises

Excelsior Correspondent

MANSAR, Sept 1: Senior BJP leader and MLA Udhampur East Ranbir Singh Pathania today launched a scathing attack on the National Conference-led Government, accusing it of betraying public trust by replacing election promises with rising economic burdens.

Addressing a public gathering, Pathania termed the recent 6.82 per cent electricity tariff hike a direct burden on common households.

He said, "The NC had come to power on promises of 200 units of free electricity, free LPG cylinders and free travel, but had instead burdened people with higher power tariffs."

Questioning the Government's employment record, Pathania alleged that against the promise of one lakh jobs for youth, around 25,000 positions had been given to political favourites and alleged cronies of NC leaders.

He said, "The BJP would raise the issue of every unfulfilled election guarantee."

Pathania also highlighted several development priorities for the region, including a proposed Rs 2,500-crore Samba-Udhampur highway connectivity project via Battal to boost trade and connectivity.

He said he would pursue early sanction of Rs 200-crore tourism overhaul under the Swadesh Darshan scheme for a multi-storey tourism development project at Mansar Lake.

Thanking Union Minister and local MP Dr Jitendra Singh, the MLA said the four-laning of Dhar Road was likely to be sanctioned and taken up by the BRO, along with an alternative Samba-Battal connectivity route.

He also sought expediting pending PMAY housing cases, addressing teacher shortages at GHSS Mansar and upgrading sports infrastructure.

Among others who were present during the function included Narain Dutt Tripathi, Jagdish Chander, Baldev Mankotia, Amit Sharma, Shoukit Ali, Tilak Raj, Chanchala Devi, Pooja Devi, Shiv Ram, Ranjit Singh, Kirpal Singh, Mohan Lal Sharma, Shamboo Dutt, Harry Sharma, Kulbir Singh, Sukhdev and Balkar Singh.