Dual governance & administrative chaos harmful for J&K and Nation: Ajay Sadhotra

• Restoration of Statehood Is Only Way to Uphold People's Mandate and trust says Rattan Lal Gupta

JAMMU: Sounding the alarm over the deepening crisis in governance and democracy, Ajay Sadhotra, Additional General Secretary of JKNC and former Minister, today said that dual governance and administrative chaos unleashed by the BJP-led Central Government is not only detrimental to Jammu and Kashmir but also poses a grave threat to the democratic fabric of the entire nation.

The former Minister was speaking while addressing a meeting of party functionaries at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan in Jammu. Coming down heavily on the BJP-led Central Government for its hollow celebrations marking 11 years in power, the senior NC leader termed the event as an exercise in deception and a mockery of the suffering people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that while the BJP is celebrating, the ground reality in J&K reflects a picture of neglect, betrayal, and administrative failure.

Ajay Sadhotra said the dual governance model imposed in J&K has only resulted in administrative uncertainty, policy paralysis, and disconnect with the people. “Such chaos is dangerous not just for J&K, but for the entire nation. J&K today stands as a classic example of how democracy has been stifled under BJP rule,” he said.

Adv. Rattan Lal Gupta, in his address, emphasized that restoration of statehood is the only viable solution to end this democratic suffocation and crises. “By not restoring statehood and delaying bye elections of Nagrota and Budgam Assembly Constituencies and four seats of Rajya Sabha, the BJP is insulting the democratic aspirations and mandate of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Highlighting the deteriorating situation in the Jammu region, he stated, “In the last 11 years, terrorism has resurfaced across the Jammu region, which was once considered peaceful. The gruesome terror attacks in Dhangri and Reasi are testimony to the worsening security scenario.

On the development front, Rattan Lal Gupta said there has been no significant progress in infrastructure. “Despite tall claims, no new power or water infrastructure has been created in Jammu and Kashmir even though the BJP was in power both in the UT and at the Centre. Even senior IAS officer Ashok Parmar had levelled serious allegations of rampant corruption in the Jal Shakti Department, which reflects the inefficiencies and policy failures within the administration.” He asserted that the present Omar Abdullah-led Government is making all possible efforts to create adequate infrastructure aimed at providing 24x7 power and water supplies to the general public.

Regarding industry and employment, Adv. Gupta said the BJP’s so-called industrial revolution has failed to materialize. “MoUs worth Rs 84,000 crore were signed on paper, but on the ground, industrial units are either shutting down or lying idle. Unemployment is at its peak. Youth are frustrated due to repeated recruitment scams, including in JKSSB and Police Sub-Inspector exams during the 10 years of BJP’s rule. Even the promised border battalions were never raised,” he stated.

Bimla Luthra, former MLA, said that the present NC Government is committed to empowering the women of J&K and ensuring their active participation in all spheres of public life. Earlier, party functionaries welcomed Vijay Luthra who has been nominated as Joint Secretary of JKNC of Jammu Province by Rattan Lal Gupta Provincial President Jammu JKNC as directed by Dr . Farooq Abdullah, President JKNC.

Vijay Luthra thanked the party functionaries and assured them of his commitment to strengthen the organization at all levels. Among those who were present included: Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, Pardeep Bali, Ayub Malik Provincial Secretaries Jammu, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Abdul Gani Teli Chairman OBC Cell, S. Tejinder Pal Singh Provincial President YNC Jammu, Rakesh Singh Raka, Dilshad Malik Vice President Central Zone, Laxmi Datta Senior leader, Ashwani Charak Block President Jammu East, S. Gurnam Singh Block President Jammu West, Sapna Gill Block President Jammu East Women Wing, Sahil Kerni District President Jammu Urban YNC, Jatin Bhat, S. Arunpal Singh, Rajeshwar Singh, Rajat, Virajmahanoori  and others.