RAJOURI: Vice President BJP and former Cabinet Minister, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali, strongly criticized Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his government today, accusing them of betraying the people's mandate with hollow assurances and unkept commitments.
While speaking during his visit to different parts of Budhal constituency in Rajouri district at Koteranka and Budhal, Chowdhary Zulfkar stated that the people had reposed faith in Abdullah for jobs to the youth, security for farmers, free electricity, free food, 12 gas cylinders, and improved infrastructure, but one year on, they were left disillusioned. 'The people voted with expectations of change, service, and good governance.
What they have received instead are speeches, distractions, and delays. This is not the leadership our people deserve,' he remarked. Expressing concern over the plight of flood victims, Chowdhary Zulfkar alleged that the government had failed to provide proper rehabilitation and relief, besides ignoring the sufferings of the people of Rajouri district. He further stated that the Chief Minister did not even visit to meet the affected families in Rajouri.
'Even now, flood-hit families continue to suffer while the government remains silent. When people were battling for survival, they needed a hand to hold them, not excuses,' he said, emphasizing that true leadership is about compassion and standing shoulder to shoulder with the people. The BJP leader further stressed that governance must focus on creating opportunities, delivering development, and wiping tears, not provoking emotions. Urging the CM to introspect, he said,
'The time for theatrics is long over. People want results on the ground – jobs, security, better services, and dignity in their daily lives. If the government ignores people's pain, it must be prepared to face their anger and rejection.' During interactions with the local population and affected families, Zulfkar also listened to concerns related to trade and taxation.
He explained how GST reforms were improving transparency and boosting growth, while also highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives to empower small businesses and strengthen the economy. Business leaders expressed hope that these measures would create new opportunities for prosperity. Concluding, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali said J&K needs a government that heals, unites, and serves. 'People gave their mandate with love and trust, not to be provoked but to be uplifted,' he asserted.


