Leader of Opposition in Assembly and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the National Conference (NC) government in Jammu and Kashmir, accusing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his council of ministers of being disconnected from ground realities while the Union Territory grapples with mounting public issues.
Addressing reporters, Sharma said that governance has effectively stalled since the October 2024 Assembly elections, with very little visible administrative action to tackle pressing concerns such as water shortages, erratic power supply and deteriorating road infrastructure. He said that instead of prioritising governance, the leadership appeared more focused on optics and leisure activities.
“In a time when people are struggling with basic amenities, ministers are invisible on the ground. Omar sb and others are busy with marathons, cycling events, skiing and 5-star dinners while public grievances go unheard,” he said while intensifying his criticism of the government’s functioning.
Taking direct aim at Omar Abdullah, Sharma questioned his administrative priorities, pointing out that the Chief Minister is handling 17 departments but has failed to convene key review meetings. “There is no visible governance. Managing so many departments requires seriousness and accountability, but we are not seeing that. The focus seems misplaced,” he said.
He further accused the administration of fostering corruption at multiple levels, alleging that common citizens are forced to pay bribes even for routine work. “Send an ordinary person to a tehsildar or a Block Development Officer, and nothing moves without money. The transfer industry is thriving openly,” Sharma claimed.
The BJP leader also pressed the NC government to clarify the status of its electoral promises, including free LPG cylinders, free electricity and the creation of one lakh jobs. According to him, the gap between promises and delivery is widening, further deepening public dissatisfaction.
On the recent security-related incident involving former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, a senior BJP leader called for a detailed investigation. He questioned why no prior information had been shared with law enforcement agencies, suggesting inconsistencies in the narrative. He also said that the individual linked to the incident had no criminal or terror background, indicating the possibility of a personal matter rather than a broader security threat.
Dismissing concerns about threats to the Abdullah family, Sharma remarked that they already have extensive security cover. “Their security presence is so overwhelming that at times it feels disproportionate,” he said.
He also expressed surprise at Omar Abdullah’s renewed push for statehood after assuming office. “It is ironic that after becoming Chief Minister, he has started demanding statehood instead of focusing on governance and fulfilling commitments,” Sharma added.
