Katra: JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla today led a powerful “Jai Hind Yatra” to pay tributes to martyrs of Operation Sindoor and civilian killed in Pak shelling in Katra organized by Bupinder Jamwal, District President, along with a team of dedicated members, including Rajesh Sadotra, Rakesh Wazir, Jeshu Pandit, Sohan Chand, Bhanu Partap Singh, Shoba Sharma, Pawan Khajuria, Puran Sharma, Taramani and Ajeet Singh.The yatra commenced from Shalimar Chowk and proceeded through the main bazaar of Katra, culminating at Fountain Chowk.The yatra aimed to promote patriotism and unity among the people of Katra.The event saw enthusiastic participation from local residents, who joined hands to celebrate the spirit of “Jai Hind.”
Bhalla speaking on the occasion applauded the success of Operation Sindoor and at the same time criticized the BJP for exploiting it for political gains. Bhalla accused the BJP of using the operation to serve its own agenda rather than uniting the nation against terrorism. He emphasized that the Congress party stands with the government in combating terrorism, but the BJP refuses to acknowledge bipartisan support. Bhalla claimed that the BJP is using the operation to further its political interests, undermining the dignity and sacrifices of the armed forces.
Bhalla on the occasion also highlighted the Modi government’s failures over the past 11 years, including poor governance and inability to address pressing issues, failure to create sufficient job opportunities, economic struggles and lack of improvement besides inadequate healthcare infrastructure.He also slammed BJP’s failure to ensure 24×7 power supplies despite promises, no significant improvement in providing tap water to all, with persistent shortages and failure to maintain adequate security measures.
Bhalla’s statements reflect the Congress party’s stance on the BJP’s handling of Operation Sindoor and the government’s overall performance .The BJP is celebrating 11 years of the Modi government, highlighting achievements. However, Bhalla disputed these claims, India ranks 105th out of 127 countries in the World Hunger Index, with 35.5% of children suffering from stunting and 19.3% from wasting.He alleged that the government has failed to deliver on promises like creating 2 crore jobs per year and ensuring ease of living standards for middle-class India.Fixed capital formation has come down to 32.4%, an 11-year low, and India’s growth rate is 6.5%, the lowest after the Covid period.
In Jammu and Kashmir specifically, the BJP is running a “Sankalp Se Siddhi” campaign to commemorate 11 years of the Modi government, focusing on showcasing the government’s initiatives and achievements in the region completely covering up their failures.He said Congress party has been vocal about its commitment to addressing public issues in Jammu and Kashmir and they have been working tirelessly to improve the lives of the people in the region. Bhalla emphasized the need for better infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public transportation. He highlighted the importance of improving healthcare services, including access to quality medical care and facilities. He stressed the need for economic growth and job creation to address unemployment in the region.
Bhalla also emphasized the importance of ensuring reliable power and water supply to meet the needs of the people. He criticized BJP for not delivering on its promises, with many feeling that their initiatives have not brought significant relief to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said Congress is committed to working towards the betterment of the region and its people. He said BJP is a “master at providing lip service” and its “empty rhetoric” will not work in the upcoming Assembly polls in the Union Territory.
“Enough of the Prime Minister’s bullying, BJP’s empty slogans have been aptly witnessed in the last 11 years throughout the country, including in Jammu and Kashmir,” said Bhalla . “We should listen to everyone’s speeches, so that we can differentiate between those who are telling the truth and those who are lying. After 11 years of big promises, speeches and lies, the country is facing an unprecedented unemployment and inflation crisis,” he told a gathering of Congress workers and supporters. “The 11 years of the BJP’s rule has been of mismanagement, immense despair and agony, and Jammu and Kashmir today stands at a stage where the common people are suffering from the wounds inflicted by the government,” he said.
Bhalla renewed his party’s demand for immediate restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have not set a firm timeline for its implementation. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had announced when statehood would be restored. Why then they are not restoring the statehood when newly elected government is in place now?” he asked.The Congress leader questioned the continuing delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. “We had always said statehood must be restored. Now that the government is in place, why is there a delay? We have already protested and we will continue to fight for Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood,” he said.Bhalla asserted the Congress will continue to press for the promised restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.“Our party launched a campaign on this issue. We went to every district, campaigned vigorously and asked the government — when will you restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir?” he said.
Challenging the oft-repeated assertion by the Centre that terrorism has ended in the Union Territory, Bhalla said, “The Central government keeps claiming that militancy in Jammu & Kashmir is over, that people live in peace and prosperity, and that development is booming. But when we ask for the figures, they have none — and often peddle outright lies.” The Congress leader expressed concern over rising terrorism in the region.“If everything is truly fine, why has militancy been increasing here since 2023, with an increase in many areas? Those responsible for defence and security must explain why militancy in Jammu and Kashmir is on the upswing,” Bhalla said.