Jammu benefited from record infrastructure push, discrimination claims baseless:  Javed Rana

• Regional balance ensured through inclusive governance: Rattan Lal Gupta

JAMMU: Senior Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader and Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Thursday hit back at the BJP, asserting that the Omar Abdullah-led government’s fair and equitable governance has left no room for allegations of regional discrimination.

He was addressing a public meeting at Samelpur Bari Brahmana in Samba district, organised by District President ST Cell Samba, Showkat Ali. The gathering was also addressed by Provincial President Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta. Speaking on the occasion, Rana said that Jammu has witnessed unprecedented public investment across key sectors under successive National Conference-led governments.

Highlighting infrastructure development, Rana pointed out that under the latest PMGSY-IV package worth ₹4,224 crore, a majority of the 316 approved road projects are expected to benefit the Jammu division owing to its larger connectivity gaps and remote habitations.He further stated that districts of Jammu division affected by floods have received unprecedented relief and restoration assistance from the government. He noted that restoration works along the Chenab River have been allocated ₹49 crore, Tawi River ₹42 crore, Samba district ₹29 crore and Kathua district ₹18 crore.

Addressing the gathering, Rattan Lal Gupta said the Omar Abdullah-led government has ensured equitable political representation alongside balanced development. “The Omar-led government has not merely spoken about regional balance; it has institutionalised it. From equal representation of Jammu and Kashmir in the Cabinet to the appointment of a Deputy Chief Minister from Jammu and the allocation of key portfolios to Jammu-based leaders, the government has ensured inclusive governance. The BJP’s discrimination narrative simply does not match the facts,” Gupta said.

The Kandi belt areas of Jammu, Samba, and Kathua have been facing an acute shortage of drinking water for decades. Successive governments failed to address this long-pending issue in a comprehensive manner, causing immense hardship to thousands of families, particularly during the summer months.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Omar-led Government has prioritized the needs of these water-stressed areas. Several pending water supply schemes, which had remained neglected for years, have now been revived and accelerated. The Government is making every possible effort to ensure the timely completion of these projects so that safe and adequate drinking water reaches the people living in the Kandi belt, Mr Gupta

Addressing the gathering Suriya Begum former DDC Bari Brahmana and Mohinder Singh former Chairman JCC Bank they  urged the party workers to gear upcoming Panchayat and Local Bodies elections and formulate the Panchayat  wise  Party committees.  Both leaders reiterated the National Conference’s commitment to inclusive development, regional balance and equitable governance across all parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Among others who were present in the meeting included: Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Abdul Gani Teli Chairman OBC Cell, Rakesh Singh Raka, Ashok Attri Vice Presidents Central Zone, Sudagar Gupta District President Samba, M.L Kaith,Rajni Devi Working President Women Wing Jammu, Shahnaz Akthar former Sarpanch, Swarn Singh, Prem Singh, Joginder Kumar, Yashpal, Krishan Dutt, Sushma Devi, Tresham Khullar, Hussain Ali, Col Rashid and other party functionaries were also present.