BJP blames CM Omar Abdullah for “paralysis in governance” in J&K

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, JANUARY 24 (STC): Bharatiya Janata Party Jammu & Kashmir spokesperson Manzoor Bhat today while strongly criticising the National Conference government led by Omar Abdullah said concentration of portfolios with CM has paralysed governance in J&K. He slammed the government for its continued failure to deliver effective governance even after more than one and a half years in power.
Bhat said that the people of Jammu & Kashmir gave this government a clear mandate with high expectations hoping for better administration employment opportunities and improvement in their day to day lives. Unfortunately the ground reality is completely different. What people are witnessing today are broken promises administrative chaos and growing public dissatisfaction he said.
Highlighting a major governance flaw the BJP spokesperson pointed out the excessive concentration of key departments with the Chief Minister himself. Despite having the constitutional provision to expand the Council of Ministers, the National Conference has restricted it to only four ministers. Several important departments including Tourism are being retained by Omar Abdullah, while other ministers are burdened with four to five departments each. This administrative overload has paralyzed governance and delayed public works, directly affecting the common people, Bhat stated.
Speaking on tourism Bhat said the sector considered the backbone of Jammu & Kashmir’s economy has been completely neglected. Earlier snowfall was cited as an excuse for low tourist inflow. This season, there has been adequate snowfall, yet the government has failed to launch any promotional campaigns, festivals, or tourism oriented programs. The government appears inactive and directionless,” he added.
He further said that the government’s inaction has badly impacted local youth who depend on tourism for livelihood. Hoteliers and tourism stakeholders are under immense stress. Many families survive entirely on this sector and several hotel owners are running businesses on bank loans. Due to the government’s failure to revive tourism many establishments are on the verge of collapse, pushing families into financial distress, “Bhat said.
Raising concern over unemployment, the BJP spokesperson said that the youth of Jammu & Kashmir had trusted the National Conference government after promises of job creation were made in the election manifesto. Today departments related to employment generation appear dysfunctional. No concrete steps have been taken, and the youth feel cheated and betrayed “he remarked.
Bhat also slammed the government over the worsening electricity crisis. The Omar Abdullah government promised 24-hour power supply and 200 units of electricity, but even scheduled power supply is witnessing frequent unscheduled cuts. Both urban and rural areas are facing prolonged darkness. There is no concrete power policy or contingency plan despite repeated disruptions caused by snowfall and storms,” he said.
He further expressed concern over soaring electricity bills. Poor and economically weaker families are unable to pay these inflated bills. The BJP demands that the government immediately frame a humane and practical policy to provide relief relaxation, or amnesty to such consumers so that they are not denied this essential service “Bhat added.
Bhat said, the Omar Abdullah government must move beyond excuses and political rhetoric. Jammu & Kashmir urgently needs a clear and concrete policy framework for power supply, tourism revival, employment generation, and public welfare. Continued negligence and inefficiency will only deepen public anger, and the people of Jammu & Kashmir will not forgive this failure.
(Straight Talk Communications)