BJP targets NC govt, approaches L-G over development concerns

Amid the ongoing controversy over dual power structures in Jammu and Kashmir, BJP leaders have found a new way to mock the ruling National Conference (NC)-led government in the Union Territory. They have been meeting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to raise developmental issues, highlighting the perceived inefficiency of the elected government.

Even as the Omar Abdullah-led government has completed over two months in office, the absence of clearly defined business rules continues to hinder governance in the Union Territory. Reports suggest that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs is in the process of formulating rules to delineate the powers of the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor.

Meanwhile, multiple BJP delegations have recently approached the L-G to address developmental concerns in their respective areas. On Monday, a delegation of BJP leaders from Nowshera in Rajouri, led by District Development Council member Sangita Sharma, met the L-G. According to a party statement, the delegation discussed various public grievances following the formation of the new government.

The BJP leaders requested the early commencement of classes at the Degree College in Lamberi, the completion of Rajal gravity irrigation canals, the inclusion of Punjabi as a subject in higher secondary schools in Nowshera and Qila Darhal, and the creation of a separate educational zone for Seri. The delegation also emphasized the need for the smooth functioning of the PWD (R&B) Department and requested a fair tendering process, citing recent violations under political pressure.

Interestingly, the visit came a day after Deputy Chief Minister and NC MLA from Nowshera, Surinder Choudhary, met protesting shopkeepers and other stakeholders in Katra. The protesters demanded the scrapping of the proposed ropeway project for the Vaishno Devi shrine. Choudhary called for unity among political leaders to oppose the project announced by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), chaired by the Lieutenant Governor.

Last week, another BJP delegation, including former J&K chief Ravinder Raina, Kalakote MLA Thakur Randhir Singh, and senior leaders Chowdhary Zulfikar Ali, Mohd Iqbal Malik, and Murtaza Khan, also met the L-G. They discussed key issues concerning Rajouri and Poonch districts, including the Jammu-Poonch highway, the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission schemes, the establishment of degree colleges at Peeri, Khawas, and Manjakote, the completion of Anas and Rajal irrigation canals, and a railway project for Rajouri-Poonch.

While the absence of defined business rules remains a challenge, the BJP continues to target the NC government over alleged failures. BJP’s national general secretary Tarun Chugh recently demanded CM’s resignation, citing his “failure to address the fundamental needs of J&K’s people, including frequent and unscheduled power cuts and a looming water crisis.”