Shamsher Chand expresses concern over political bickering, urges focus on public issues

• Sub-headline: AICC Member calls for constructive dialogue, says governance must not be overshadowed by political point-scoring

JAMMU: Shamsher Chand, AICC Member and Bharat Yatri, has voiced deep concern over the growing trend of heated exchanges between ministers and opposition leaders, stating that such confrontational politics is overshadowing the real issues affecting the common people.In a detailed statement, Shamsher Chand observed that public discourse is increasingly being reduced to allegations and counter-allegations, with leaders more focused on scoring political brownie points rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue. He said this pattern is not only unproductive but also harmful to the democratic fabric, as it shifts attention away from governance and accountability.

Highlighting the broader impact, he noted that persistent political confrontation leads to policy paralysis, delays in decision-making, and weak implementation of developmental programmes. “When governance takes a back seat to political rivalry, it is the common citizen who ultimately suffers,” he remarked. He added that critical issues such as unemployment, inflation, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development demand urgent and coordinated action, which becomes difficult in an atmosphere of continuous political friction.

Shamsher Chand further cautioned that such an environment erodes public trust in democratic institutions. When people witness their elected representatives engaged in verbal conflicts rather than constructive debate, it creates a sense of disillusionment and disconnect. This, he said, can weaken citizen participation in democratic processes and reduce confidence in governance systems.He stressed that both the ruling government and the opposition have an equal responsibility to maintain the dignity of democratic institutions. While disagreement is an essential part of democracy, it must be expressed through healthy debate, evidence-based arguments, and a commitment to finding solutions. “Democracy thrives on dialogue, not discord,” he asserted.

Calling for a shift in approach, Shamsher Chand urged political leaders to prioritise policy discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and people-centric governance. He emphasized the need for a mature and responsible political culture where leaders work together on issues of public importance, even while maintaining ideological differences.Reaffirming his commitment to the welfare of the people, he appealed to all stakeholders to rise above narrow political interests and focus on inclusive development, transparency, and efficient service delivery. He concluded by stating that the true measure of leadership lies not in rhetoric, but in the ability to deliver meaningful change in the lives of the people.