Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 11: Jammu & Kashmir BJP spokesperson and former Vice Chairman Balbir Ram Rattan criticised National Conference Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta for alleging that the delay in restoration of statehood is affecting development and undermining democratic aspirations in Jammu & Kashmir, terming the statement politically motivated, misleading and completely disconnected from ground realities. Balbir said the National Conference appears more interested in creating a false narrative of stagnation than acknowledging the unprecedented transformation taking place across Jammu & Kashmir.
The NC leader should come out of the political comfort zone of his party and see what is happening on the ground. The Jammu & Kashmir of today is witnessing massive infrastructure development, improved connectivity, expanding tourism, new educational and healthcare facilities and major investments. To describe this as development being held back is nothing short of misleading the people, he said.
He pointed to major projects such as the Chenab Rail Bridge, Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, Sonamarg and Z-Morh tunnels, expansion of highways and road connectivity, besides several other infrastructure projects, as evidence of the unprecedented pace of development.
Balbir said the transformation is not confined to infrastructure alone. Peace and improvement in the security environment have given a major boost to tourism and economic activity, with Jammu & Kashmir increasingly attracting visitors from across the country and abroad.
"Those who claim that development is being undermined should explain how such massive projects are being sanctioned, constructed and completed. Does the NC want people to believe that tunnels, railways, bridges, highways, prestigious educational institutions, hospitals and tourism infrastructure are not development?" he asked.
Taking a dig at the NC's reference to democratic aspirations, Balbir said that the people of Jammu & Kashmir have repeatedly demonstrated their democratic aspirations through elections and participation in the political process. He said the elected government is functioning and institutions of grassroots democracy have also been strengthened.
The NC cannot have it both ways. It cannot participate in the democratic process, win elections and form a government, and then tell the people that democracy itself is being undermined simply because a particular constitutional demand has not yet been fulfilled, he said. |
