Excelsior Correspondent
RS PURA, Mar 25: The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) working president Raman Bhalla today launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government, accusing it of failing on multiple fronts, including restoration of statehood, unemployment, public services, and foreign policy, while also calling upon party cadre to gear up for the forthcoming Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections.
Addressing an impressive gathering at Shiv Nagar in RS Pura constituency, Bhalla underscored the critical importance of the upcoming local body elections in strengthening grassroots democracy. He urged party workers to intensify their outreach at the village and ward levels, stating that these elections are vital for empowering people at the grassroots and restoring democratic institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.
“A strong Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Body system is the backbone of participatory governance, and Congress workers must ensure people’s voices are heard loud and clear,” he asserted.
Bhalla strongly advocated for granting ST-2 status to displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (POJK DPs), stating that these communities have faced decades of neglect and deserve justice, dignity, and constitutional safeguards. He reiterated that the Congress party remains committed to addressing their long-pending demands.
Raising concerns over Indo-US trade dynamics, Bhalla warned that its indirect impact is being felt in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in agriculture, handicrafts, and small-scale industries. He alleged that the Centre has failed to safeguard local economic interests, resulting in hardships for farmers, artisans, and traders.
Expressing concern over the alarming unemployment rate, Bhalla said that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are facing a bleak future due to lack of job opportunities and ineffective policies. He urged the government to come up with a concrete employment roadmap.
The programme was organized by former Minister Ch Garu Ram, who recently rejoined the Congress party. A large number of local residents, party workers, farmers and youth attended the event. Prominent among those present included- Gurmeet Singh, Yash Pal, Bachan Singh, Ashok Sharma, Jung Bahadur, Capt Karanjeet, Babu Singh and others.
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