- AICC Member flags ground reality gap after Hanuman Jayanti prayers
JAMMU: Shamsher Chand, AICC Member and Bharat Yatri, on Thursday strongly contested the government’s claims of adequate availability of LPG cylinders in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the situation on the ground paints a completely different picture, with people facing significant hardships in securing timely deliveries.
Chand made these remarks after paying obeisance at a Hanuman temple on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, where he prayed for peace, prosperity, and overall well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Later, while addressing media persons, he highlighted pressing public issues affecting daily life in the Union Territory.
He said that despite official statements denying any shortage, residents across several areas are struggling to get LPG refills, often waiting for extended periods after booking. He alleged that the supply chain remains inconsistent and poorly managed, causing inconvenience especially to households that rely solely on LPG for cooking.
“The government’s claim that there is no shortage of LPG cylinders is far from reality. People are running from pillar to post to get their cylinders delivered, and in many cases, delays stretch for days,” he said, adding that such issues are directly impacting daily life, particularly for economically weaker sections.
Chand further criticized the administration for what he termed as a “disconnect from ground realities,” urging authorities to undertake an immediate assessment of the supply and distribution mechanism to ensure timely availability of essential commodities.
Apart from the LPG issue, the senior Congress leader also highlighted the lack of other basic amenities in the Union Territory. He pointed to irregular water supply, inadequate electricity in certain areas, poor road conditions, and insufficient public services as persistent challenges that continue to trouble residents.
Emphasizing the need for accountability, Chand called upon the government to prioritize public welfare over claims and assurances. He urged concerned departments to adopt a more responsive and transparent approach in addressing grievances of the people. Stressing that basic amenities are the foundation of a functional society, Chand said that failure to ensure their availability undermines public trust and hampers overall development in Jammu and Kashmir.


