Omar Govt turning tide in Jammu with new development momentum: Rattan Lal Gupta

• Says, “BJP turned blind eye to Jammu’s suffering, misused public mandate

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President (Jammu) Rattan Lal Gupta on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, asserting that the party is rapidly losing ground in Jammu as people have begun to see through what he described as its “years of hollow promises, neglect, and political opportunism.”

Interacting with a public deputation from Ward No. 32, Gole Gujral, Talab Tillo Jammu, led by Sardar Harcharan Singh, Gupta said that the BJP’s track record in Jammu stands exposed. “For years, the BJP sought votes in the name of development and regional aspirations, but once in power—whether in local bodies, legislature, or even during direct rule—they abandoned Jammu and its people,” he said. District President Jammu Urban Chandar Mohan Sharma was also present on the occasion..

Gupta accused the BJP of turning a blind eye to pressing civic and urban challenges, including traffic congestion, poor transportation systems, environmental degradation, waste management failures, faulty drainage leading to flooding, recurring power outages, dilapidated roads, and the lack of affordable housing. “Not a single concrete step was taken. No upgradation, no augmentation, just empty slogans and blame games,” he remarked.

He further alleged that the BJP “misused the mandate of the people of Jammu,” adding that even during times of crisis, its representatives were missing from the ground. “During the recent floods, it was only the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his cabinet colleagues who were seen actively responding. BJP MLAs were nowhere to be found,” he said.

Taking aim at the party’s broader governance record, Gupta said that despite having power at the Centre and previously being part of the government in Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP failed to deliver on urban development or preserve the region’s identity. “Instead of working for the people, they focused on creating divisions. Today, our temples are in disrepair, heritage is crumbling, and key public institutions are weakening. This is the legacy of BJP’s governance,” he added.

Gupta said the political mood in Jammu is now shifting decisively. “People are no longer willing to be misled on the basis of region or religion. They have understood the reality and are ready to hold the BJP accountable for its failures,” he asserted.

Highlighting the efforts of the current administration, Gupta said that the government led by Omar Abdullah is working with commitment to reverse the developmental setbacks of the past decade. “There is a visible change on the ground. The Chief Minister and his team are accessible, responsive, and focused on real governance. Jammu is finally witnessing leadership that listens and acts,” he said.

He acknowledged that the challenges inherited are substantial. “The scale of neglect over the past 10–11 years cannot be corrected overnight, but the government is making steady and meaningful progress through focused and sustained efforts,” he added.

During the interaction, the deputation raised several local issues, including the need for developing a parking facility at the local Shamshan Ghat, for which land is available, along with other civic concerns. Gupta assured the delegation that all genuine issues would be taken up on priority for prompt redressal.

Reiterating his confidence in the people of Jammu, Gupta said, “The era of deception is over. Jammu deserves accountable governance, inclusive development, and respect for its identity and that is exactly what the present dispensation is committed to delivering.”