Omar Govt released Rs 200 Cr for restoration and relief, BJP answerable for decade-long negligence: Sadhotra

JAMMU: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Mr Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today visited Tawi Island area of Marh Assembly Constituency which is badly hit by the recent flash flood interacting with the affected people he launched a scathing counter to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) attempt to politicise the recent natural calamities, describing its statements as opportunistic, misleading, and divorced from facts on the ground.

Reacting to uncalled for remarks of BJP, Mr Sadhotra said the BJP’s attempt to malign the Omar Abdullah-led government was not only malicious but also an insult to the people who are still reeling under the devastation caused by floods, landslides, and cloudbursts.  “At a time when the entire government under the visionary leadership of Jenab Omar Abdullah and people are united in relief and rehabilitation, the BJP has chosen to indulge in divisive blame-game,” he said.

Mr Sadhotra recalled that the Omar Abdullah government had released Rs 200 crore for immediate restoration works and challenges post the Ramban and Chesoti landslides, as well as the damages caused by Operation Sindhoor. The Chief Minister himself is on tenterhooks, constantly monitoring the situation, reaching out personally to the sufferers, and ensuring that relief reached the worst-hit areas. The ministers and officials were on the ground 24x7, coordinating rescue, relief, and restoration efforts, he said, adding that the NC government did not believe in issuing statements from press rooms but in working with people at ground zero.

Taking strong exception to BJP’s criticism of the collapse of the fourth bridge on river Tawi, Mr Sadhotra reminded that the bridge was constructed more than a decade ago during a non-NC regime. The BJP is shooting arrows in the dark. The fact remains that no bridge, embankment, or structure can withstand the fury of nature when floods and cloudbursts of such magnitude strike, he said.

The NC Additional General Secretary also hit back at BJP over illegal mining, saying that the party has no moral right to point fingers. The truth is that BJP has been in power both at the Centre and in J&K during the past decade. They did absolutely nothing to evolve preventive measures, strengthen embankments, or check illegal mining which has weakened riverbeds. Today’s damages are in fact the direct result of BJP’s criminal negligence and policy paralysis, he added.

Calling BJP’s description of NC ministers as “Non-Performing Assets” a sign of frustration, Mr Sadhotra said, It was the NC government that stood firm in the face of natural fury, released funds, mobilised the administration, and reached out to victims. On the other hand, BJP, despite being in power for over ten years, has utterly failed to build safeguards, strengthen infrastructure, or prepare for natural disasters. They are now shamelessly trying to pass on their own failures onto Omar Abdullah government, he said.

Mr Sadhotra cautioned the BJP to stop misleading people and instead press for adequate central assistance for relief, rehabilitation, and rebuilding. The people of Tawi Island have faced huge loss of property, belongings and crops moreover in many agriculture fields silt has entered the fields and it is difficult for Kisans to cultivate their agriculture fields.  

National Conference leader talked to Principal Secretary Power Mr Parshad for early restoration of Power as since the last five day there is no power and water. He also talked to Chief Engineer PHE Mr Haneef for immediate restoration of Water supply. And also talked to SDM South Mr Manu and requested him for intensive verification of losses due to flood by the Revenue staff.   

“People of Jammu and Kashmir need support, not slogans. It is high time BJP stops shedding crocodile tears and accepts its responsibility for the current damages,” he said. Mr Sadhotra appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to see through the BJP’s politics of diversion and remain vigilant against those who seek to exploit human tragedy for electoral gains.

 “Our fight must be united – against natural disasters and for rebuilding lives – not divided by the politics of blame and political opportunism,” he added. Other who accompanied are Raghbir Singh Manhas District President Jammu Rural A, Rakesh Sharma (Phalwan) District President Jammu Rural A YNC, Baro Ram Vice President District Jammu Rural A, Krishan Dass Bhagat Block President, Randhir Singh District Secretary Jammu Rural A, Khajur Raj Sarpanch, Man Mohan Organizer, Karan Singh, Devinder Singh Block President Mathwar, Sandeep Manhas, Veer Ji Bhat, Ashanand, Satpal Panch.