JAMMU: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today criticized the National Conference (NC) government for misleading the people of Jammu and Kashmir through hollow promises and politically motivated schemes.

Addressing a press conference at party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, BJP Spokesperson Rajni Sethi, accompanied by Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, Media Incharge, J&K BJP, and Poonam Gupta, Mahila Morcha leader, said that the NC has mastered the “art of giving lollypops” to the people, offering temporary benefits without any sustainable vision for development.

Rajni Sethi cited the so-called “free bus service for women” launched by the NC government in April 2025 as a prime example of this gimmick politics. “The scheme was projected as a landmark welfare measure but was, in fact, designed to gain sympathy and votes from women. Now, within a year, the government itself is considering withdrawing it, terming it a financial burden,” she said, referring to the recent statement of Transport Minister Satish Sharma.

“This exposes the NC government’s lack of planning and accountability. If they had no financial roadmap, why introduce such a scheme? Why play with the emotions of women for electoral advantage?” she questioned.

Rajni Sethi said that the NC’s intentions are clear to impress female voters with short-term freebies and later quietly retract them. “But the politically aware women of Jammu and Kashmir can no longer be misled by such tactics,” she asserted. She demanded that Omar Abdullah and the NC leadership clarify their stand on the issue. “Is women’s empowerment only a political slogan for them, or do they genuinely believe in equality and opportunity for women?” she asked.

Drawing a comparison, Rajni Sethi highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has witnessed true and sustainable women empowerment through initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Ujjwala Yojana, PM Awas Yojana, Mudra Yojana, and Women’s Reservation in Parliament. “These are not lollypops but structural reforms that have transformed lives across the nation,” she said.

She added that before the abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A, women in Jammu and Kashmir suffered from discriminatory laws that denied them equal rights. “Only after 2019 did they receive full constitutional equality and dignity. The BJP government made this historic transformation possible,” she emphasized.

Calling the NC minister’s recent statement “shameful and insensitive,” Rajni Sethi said it reflects the party’s lack of commitment to women’s rights. “The BJP stands firmly with every woman of Jammu and Kashmir — not with hollow promises, but with a proven record of empowerment, equality, and respect,” she concluded.

In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here