`In BJP, nobody dares to raise voice even for public issues’
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU. Oct 11: Senior All India Congress Committee (AICC) leader and Incharge J&K affairs of the party, Rajni Patil (ex-MP) today said that simmering discontent amongst the people of Jammu and Kashmir due to “arbitrary decision” of the BJP Government to disband and downgrade the historically important State of J&K into UT is growing and the people are annoyed over the delay in restoration of Statehood besides the present policies towards people especially jobs for the youth and students.
Click here to watch video
Addressing a press conference here today along with JKPCC president GA Mir and other senior leaders, Patil said that the decision of the BJP Govt to downgrade the State into UT was “arbitrary, unilateral and unjust and against the wishes of the people. She said the feedback received by her here in Jammu during the past two days, of her interactions with different sections of society especially the farmers, showed great anger over the arbitrary and unjust decisions of the downgrading of the historically important and socio-culturally rich State into UT, apart from depriving the people, especially youth of all the protections to the jobs and lands.
Patil said that Modi Govt hoodwinked the farmers during 2014 elections, on the promise to double their income but today, the three laws enacted by it, have deprived the famers of their due income and protections from exploitation in the hands of rich and capitalists. The Congress would continue to strive for the rights of the farmers and protect their interests, she added.
The AICC leader further said that the another failure of the BJP is its inactions over the rising incidents of crime against women in the country. Accusing BJP of the double standards in the matter as seen in the Hathras rape incident, she said that Congress amended the law to make it stringent after the Nirbhaya incident but BJP failed to strictly implement and execute the said laws during its regime. The way BJP Govt tried to suppress the voice against the heinous crime which is most unfortunate. On Rajasthan case, she said Gehlot Government has taken immediate measures and also provided relief and assured job to one family member of temple priest.
On the issues of various sections here, she said that what could be worst that people are suffering on account of oxygen in the hospitals during this COVID-19 pandemic. The BJP has neglected its duty as a ruling party after seeking huge mandate from people especially in Jammu after showing them great dreams and hollow promises. The people would certainly show them the mirror in the next elections, she added.
Regarding the organizational affairs, she said that Congress president Sonia Gandhi has entrusted her an important responsibility of this sensitive region and she would do everything possible to strengthen the party. Congress has real inner party democracy where the genuine voice is heard, she said but added that party is supreme not the individuals. She took a dig at the BJP where there is no permission to raise voice before the senior leaders. Even the public representatives in BJP do not dare to rais e genuine public issues, Patil maintained.
In reply to a question, PCC chief GA Mir said that Congress always worked for the establishment and empowerment of Panchayat Raj system and has taken part in the elections to the Municipal bodies held on party basis and would do so, now also but “our concerns over security scenario and conducive atmosphere are there”. He said Congress struggled to get all provisions of 73rd and 74th incorporated in State laws for a strong and vibrant three- tier Panchayat Raj and the Govt must practically implement those provisions.
Mir also referred to feeling of neglect amongst the Punjabi speaking people and said that party fully supports the demand for inclusion of Punjabi, Gojri and Pahari as official languages. He said that Rajni Patil has met different office bearers, former legislators and different district and frontal units here and would leave for Srinagar tomorrow for similar interactions with senior leaders there before returning to Union capital on October 14. She is also likely to meet Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha during her visit to take up various burning issues of people, Mir added.
AICC leader, is here on her maiden five days visit to Jammu and Kashmir to participate in the Kissan Movement against new laws and to review the overall political scenario and organizational affairs.
Senior leaders Mula Ram, Raman Bhalla, Balwan Singh, Ravinder Sharma, Ch Gharu Ram (Kissan Cell), Neeraj Kundan (National president NSUI), Yogesh Sawhney, Hari Singh Chib and others were also present.
Meanwhile, AICC Incharge J&K affairs, Rajni Patil along with PCC president G A Mir and other senior leaders today visited Jagti migrant camp to meet the agitating Kashmiri migrants.
Accompanied by JKPCC vice president and former Minister Raman Bhalla, chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, general secretary PCC Yogesh Sawhney, Manmohan Singh, PYC chief Udhay Chib and others, Patil met the Kashmiri migrants on dharna for their demands.
The leaders of Kashmiri migrants explained the difficulties being faced by them due to the neglect of the present dispensation and urged her to take up their demands with higher authorities. They said that UPA Government provided the various kinds of financial support and relief packages and jobs etc but thereafter, nothing major has been done during the period. Patil was submitted a memorandum by the agitating migrants on the occasion.
The AICC leader said that their desire to return with safety and security is the right demand and all have to work together to see their genuine rights fulfilled. She assured to take up their demands in the Parliament and outside and also during her meeting with Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha tomorrow, she would take up their issues on priority.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
