NC should focus on development, and public welfare, instead of targeting LoP: Dr. Pardeep

JAMMU: Advising the National Conference (NC) leaders to channel their time and energy towards the development and welfare of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, Media Incharge, BJP J&K, asserted that by targeting Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma, the party cannot escape the wrath of the very people who voted for them and now feel deceived.

Reacting sharply to the remarks made by NC’s Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, who termed LoP Sunil Sharma as “Raj Bhawan’s Spokesperson,” Dr. Pardeep Mahotra said that such baseless and immature statements only expose growing frustration and political bankruptcy among the NC cadre.

Dr. Pardeep reminded that Raj Bhawan is an independent Constitutional institution with its own well-established Information Department and officials. He said that the LoP does not need to represent or defend Raj Bhawan in any matter, adding that it is routine for leaders of all political parties, including NC, to meet the Lieutenant Governor for raising public issues. He said that the LoP Sunil Sharma, being an elected MLA and an important Constitutional office-bearer, is well within his rights to meet the LG or approach higher institutions for the welfare of the people. To assume that this makes him a spokesperson of Raj Bhawan is not only absurd but reflects NC leaders’ desperation, Dr. Pardeep stated.

Dr. Pardeep further said that it has become a habit for the NC leadership to divert public attention from their abject failure to deliver during one year of government, by issuing false, misleading, and diversionary statements. No amount of rhetoric can hide their non-performance. People are watching closely and cannot be misled by hollow words anymore, he remarked.

Dr. Pardeep Mahotra said it would have been far better had the NC leader shown humility and sought public apology for their government’s failure to implement the promises made in their election manifesto. He added that the NC leadership should learn from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has taken bold and historic decisions, including the abrogation of Article 370 for the complete constitutional integration of Jammu & Kashmir with the rest of India, and converting the J&K from terrorism capital to the tourism capital, ensuring inflow of investments for the socio-economic development, fulfilling long-pending promises made to the people.

Taking the NC leader to task for his silence on issues concerning Jammu and its people, Dr. Pardeep said that issuing politically motivated statements just to remain relevant will not help regain public trust. The sooner the NC leaders realize this truth, the better it will be for their dwindling credibility and reputation, he said.