NC should focus on governance, fulfil poll promises instead of statehood drama: Pathania

Jammu : Senior BJP leader and legislator Ranbir Singh Pathania on Tuesday questioned the National Conference’s proposed protest in Delhi over the demand of statehood, saying the issue has already been committed to by Parliament as well as the country’s top leadership.

Speaking to the news agency Pathania termed the proposed programme at Jantar Mantar a “new drama” by the National Conference and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

“A new drama, a new theatrics from the side of the National Conference and Omar Abdullah is going to unfold on the issue of statehood in Delhi at Jantar Mantar. I would like to ask how statehood remains an issue when the country’s supreme Parliament has committed to it, the Prime Minister is committed, and the Home Minister is committed,” he said.

Pathania said that instead of staging protests, the National Conference should explain when it would fulfil the promises made to the people during elections.

“When will the National Conference fulfil its election guarantees? When will people get free electricity, free travel, free gas cylinders and one lakh jobs?” he asked.

Stating that he has respect for Omar Abdullah, Pathania said the Chief Minister should focus on changing the developmental profile of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Like an intellectual politician, Omar Abdullah should work to change the profile, destiny and picture of Jammu and Kashmir. Maybe people around you will not show you the mirror, but we will definitely show you the mirror that your government’s existence is not visible at the ground level,” he said.

The BJP leader alleged that corruption remains a concern in the present dispensation and claimed that even NC legislators had raised such issues before the party leadership.

“I had said earlier also that some people in your government are totally corrupt. I am not saying this; the people of Jammu and Kashmir are saying this. This is what your own MLAs conveyed to you during the meeting at Dachigam,” he said.

Pathania urged the government to come out of its “cocoon” and reach out to the people, saying Jammu and Kashmir has immense potential in tourism, industry, science and technology, communications and the film sector.

“Jammu and Kashmir can make its mark across the world, but the way things are being driven today is really disheartening and disappointing,” he said.

Alleging a lack of coordination within the government, Pathania said ministers, the party and the administrative system appeared to be moving in different directions.

“Sometimes it is a Delhi tour, sometimes a Bengaluru tour, sometimes one marathon and then another. Somewhere, the commitments made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir are not being fulfilled,” he said.

He urged the Chief Minister to focus on governance and public welfare.—(KNO)