JAMMU, Aug 17: Hundreds of BJP workers took to the streets in Jammu on Monday to protest against the National Conference-led government, accusing it of failing to fulfil its election promises and address unemployment, development and basic civic issues.
The protest was led by J&K BJP president Sat Sharma, who was accompanied by MP Jugal Kishore Sharma and Leader of Opposition in the J&K Assembly Sunil Sharma.
BJP workers carrying party flags and placards gathered at Dogra Chowk, Maheshpura and Panjtirthi before marching towards the Civil Secretariat through Shalimar Road. They raised slogans against the National Conference-Congress alliance and demanded greater accountability from the government.
Several senior BJP leaders called for the resignation of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, alleging corruption, administrative failures and poor governance. Protesters also burnt effigies of the NC-Congress government.
Police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in large numbers along the protest routes and around the Civil Secretariat. BJP Mahila Morcha workers also participated in the demonstration.
Sat Sharma said the BJP protest reflected growing public anger over what he described as the government's failure to deliver on promises made during the Assembly elections.
He alleged that the National Conference was using the demand for restoration of statehood to divert public attention from issues such as unemployment and development.
“Thousands of BJP workers, MPs, legislators and common people are on the roads to express their anger against the NC-led government,” Sharma said, adding that the BJP would continue to act as a constructive opposition.
He warned that the party would intensify its agitation if the government failed to address public concerns, with protests likely to be organised at district, town and local levels.
Jugal Kishore Sharma alleged that the government had failed to resolve basic problems related to roads, electricity, drinking water and other civic amenities despite repeated assurances.
He accused the NC-led administration of losing public confidence and demanded that it take responsibility for its alleged failures.
Sunil Sharma also criticised the government, alleging widespread corruption, administrative shortcomings and poor governance. He said the BJP had initially intended to function as a constructive opposition but was now compelled to take its campaign to the streets.
MLA Sham Lal Sharma said the government would be held accountable “from the floor of the Assembly to the streets” and alleged that the people of the Jammu region were facing discrimination.
MLA Vikram Randhawa also targeted Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, alleging that the administration was more focused on protocol and political posturing than resolving issues confronting the people.
BJP Mahila Morcha president Neha Mahajan raised concerns over employment opportunities for youth, rising unemployment and promises made to women during the elections.
The BJP leaders also referred to the Centre’s assurance that statehood would be restored at an appropriate time, while questioning the NC government over what they described as its failure to deliver on commitments made to voters.
