Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 8: The president of the National Conference (NC) and former Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, has voiced his criticism against past undemocratic regimes for their supposed inability to foster equitable development in Jammu and Kashmir.
During discussions with various delegations from Poonch, Katra, Jammu Rural, and Kathua at his residence in Bathindi, Jammu, Dr. Farooq pointed to the “deteriorating” civic infrastructure in Jammu city as evidence that the assurances given by prior regimes were insubstantial.
Present at the meetings were Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, former minister and Additional General Secretary, alongside Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of Jammu.
He expressed concern about the escalating daily hardships faced by citizens, particularly in Jammu city.
“Residents are grappling with numerous civic challenges due to neglect from the authorities over the past decade. The commitments made by the BJP-led Jammu Municipal Corporation have been revealed as empty promises. The last monsoon season strikingly highlighted the failure of these assertions,” Dr. Farooq remarked.
He alleged that the BJP has exacerbated the plight of the populace and reiterated that NC is dedicated to addressing these concerns.
Furthermore, he criticized the BJP for utilizing its right-wing ideology to deflect attention from inquiries regarding the declining civic facilities in the area.
He called upon NC members to gear up for the forthcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) and Panchayat elections.
“Jammu and Srinagar require a thorough urban renewal strategy to meet the demands of their growing populations. NC is the only political party with a clear vision to tackle these issues, as outlined in our manifesto. The BJP is adept at speechmaking, yet it falters in taking meaningful action,” Dr. Farooq added.
In a separate note, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, alongside his son Omar Abdullah, the NC Vice President and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, extended their greetings to the public on the occasion of the 717th Urs of Hazrat Abdul Rehman Bulbul Shah Sahib (RA).
They prayed for tranquility and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir during this significant event.
Party leaders, including General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, Additional General Secretary Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Treasurer Shammi Oberoi, Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, and other NC representatives, also expressed their warm wishes to the public.
