Jammu, January 31, 2025 — The political climate in Jammu and Kashmir is heating up as the National Conference (NC) leaders raise alarm over the current government's lack of action on promised reforms. Accusations flying from NC provincial president, Rattan Lal Gupta, have laid bare frustrations simmering beneath the surface following the formation of the new government three months ago.
According to Gupta, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership has been misleading the Central Government concerning the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. He stated, “Such deceptive tactics are a betrayal of the people’s mandate and a disservice to the aspirations of local residents.” Gupta emphasized how Jammu and Kashmir had found itself stagnated, lagging behind other states significantly concerning infrastructure, employment, and economic growth.
“J&K is already lagging behind... the local BJP’s misleading approach has only worsened the situation,” said Gupta, insisting the BJP has prioritized its political interests over the pressing needs of residents. He condemned the dual governance system, which has been at play since the revocation of Article 370, claiming it has only exacerbated the region's political instability.
The discontent has reached another level as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah himself mentioned the challenge of fulfilling their election manifesto due to the limitations imposed by the Union Territory status. During the Badalta Jammu & Kashmir conclave held by Gulistan, Abdullah confessed, “The manifesto cannot be fulfilled without the restoration of statehood.” This admission has left many questioning the integrity of the promises political parties made during the recent elections.
The election promises were viewed as lifelines: 200 units of free electricity, 10 kg of free ration per household, 12 free LPG cylinders per year, reviews of prisoner cases, the repeal of the Public Safety Act (PSA), and employment generation measures. With the recent program now three months old, residents find themselves grappling with unsatisfactory conditions.
Electricity bills, rather than decreasing, have skyrocketed, leaving families struggling to manage their expenses as costs of living continue to rise amid ignored pledges. The promised ration programs for low-income families remain unfulfilled, perpetuating the burden as prices of essentials increase steadily. Similarly, assurance over LPG cylinder provisions has vanished. The reality, for many, is increasingly visible as the government fails to act on its commitments.
Significantly, the handling of political prisoners has cast shadows over the current administration's reform efforts. Many remain incarcerated under PSA provisions, and their cases have seen no sign of review. Even journalists, some of whom have faced arrest under PSA terms, lack hope for any straightforward resolution as the political leaders seem to recede from their previous commitments. “Election promises cannot merely serve as tools to gain power; they must translate to real change on the ground,” asserted Gupta.
Another pressing concern among the youth is employment. Political leaders had pledged to generate jobs and tackle rising unemployment, yet now it appears to be little more than rhetoric. Almost everyone feels the pinch, with new job creation nowhere to be found as government hiring stagnates and opportunities within the private sector seem scarce.
More troublingly, as public officials enjoy the benefits and perks of office, including security and allowances, the masses remain frustrated. Citizens look on, awaiting the promised reliefs, the stark reality contributing to growing discontent. Who can promise to break this silence? When will reforms commence, and how will affected communities finally receive the benefits owed to them?
“The gap between governance and public expectations is desolate,” Gupta remarked, urging politicians to provide clarity and maintain accountability for earlier commitments. “If statehood was necessary for fulfilling those promises, why were they made during the campaign?” The clarion call for political accountability resonates louder than ever against the backdrop of disillusionment.
With the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Budget Session just around the corner, commencing on March 3, many hope for clarity and real progress. Observers will pay close attention to how the new budget reflects the ambitions pledged during elections and whether the government can align itself with public sentiment.
This session marks the first occasion where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will present the budget after his election victory. The previous budgets were crafted by the Central Government, resulting from the lack of local governance. Now, with the NC back at the legislative helm, citizens are ready to witness if promises will finally be honored instead of merely serving to woo voters.
Overall, Jammu and Kashmir is at a crossroads, standing on the edge as residents demand accountability and concrete change. With time ticking away and frustration mounting, the NC leaders must take the reins to restore faith and fulfill commitments if they aim to connect with those who entrusted them with their hopes.
The clock is ticking, and the patience of the populace is wearing thin. It remains to be seen if meaningful action can materialize and rebuild the trust long wounded by political instability.