JAMMU: Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of J&K National Conference, has criticized the BJP's manifesto for Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a "bundle of lies" designed to mislead and deceive the people of the region. The senior NC leader was speaking during the joining programme held at Sher e Kashmir Bhawan here today in which people leaving several political outfits prefer to join the National Conference.
Responding to promises made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Rattan Lal Gupta criticized the BJP for offering false hopes while failing to address critical issues during its decade-long governance. He pointed out that despite being in power at both the Centre and in J&K, the BJP has failed to meet the basic needs of the people, leaving them to suffer.
Highlighting the contradictions in the BJP’s manifesto, he questioned the introduction of schemes like the 'Maa Samman Yojana,' offering Rs 18,000 annually to the eldest women in families, when no such initiatives were implemented during the party's tenure. He also accused the BJP of neglecting women, senior citizens, and marginalized communities. He asserted that till date the senior citizens are facing huge hardships in want of pension in Jammu and Kashmir.
Rattan Lal criticized the BJP's handling of employment in J&K, stating that despite numerous vacant posts, no efforts were made to fill them. Instead, the J&K youth have became victims of multiple recruitment scams. He also ridiculed the promise of free LPG cylinders, noting that thousands of families still struggling to afford even one due to rising prices.
On education, he pointed out that the closure of hundreds of Govt schools in Jammu and Kashmir which has deprived students of quality education, and new promises of Rs 3,000 under the Pragati Shiksha Yojana are mere election gimmicks. He emphasized that unemployment and lack of opportunities have worsened since the abrogation of Article 370.
The NC leader also raised concerns over the BJP’s failure to curb terrorism, despite claims of bringing peace to the region. He criticized the BJP for failing to improve security, as terrorism has not only persisted but is rising in Jammu.
Gupta urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to reject the BJP’s election tactics and false promises. He assured that the National Conference remains committed to real development, peace, and the well-being of the region's people. He called on voters to support the National Conference in its fight for the true development of J&K.
Among those who joined the party fold included Tilak Raj former General Secretary, Billawar, Surinder Kumar former Board Member SC Cell, Dharamkote Billawar, Devinder Singh Social activist, Vikram Singh Social Activist and Ramesh Gupta Social Activist.
Those who were present in the meeting included: Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, Babu Rampaul former minister and Central Zone President, Pardeep Bali Provincial Secretary, Bimla Luthra former MLA, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Abdul Gani Teli Chairman OBC Cell,Jugal Mahajan Treasurer, Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone, Tirath Ram District President Billawar, Waris Gill President Christian Cell, S. Tejinder Singh District President Jammu Urban YNC, Joginder Kour Vice President District Jammu Urban Women wing, Ashanand Joint Secretary District Jammu Urban, Prabhat Khapai and others.
