SRINAGAR, Feb 9: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra has voiced serious concerns over the growing public discontent, stressing that unresolved grievances are eroding faith in the democratic system. Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, Karra called upon the National Conference-led Government to take immediate and concrete steps to address public concerns and deliver on electoral promises.
Karra highlighted that people had placed high expectations on the newly elected government, hoping for an end to the decade-long governance vacuum. However, despite their overwhelming participation in the electoral process, many feel let down as their core issues remain unaddressed. “For ten years, democracy was absent, and people faced administrative discrimination. They voted with the hope of change, but their grievances persist,” he said.
He warned that this growing frustration risks deepening cynicism among citizens, making them question whether their participation in the democratic process was worthwhile. “People wanted governance, accountability, and solutions to pressing issues, yet they are still waiting. If this continues, the very system they voted to restore will lose credibility,” he cautioned.
Underscoring the urgent need to restore full statehood, Karra reiterated Congress’s longstanding demand, emphasizing that only a fully empowered government can ensure effective governance. “If you want this elected system to function properly, its foundation must be strengthened through the restoration of statehood,” he asserted.
Delving into governance challenges, Karra identified two critical issues: the risk of the newly elected administration being undermined and the prevailing bureaucratic confusion. “There should be no deliberate attempts to weaken this government. At the same time, bureaucrats seem caught in uncertainty—unsure whether they are accountable to the elected government or still answerable to the Lieutenant Governor’s administration,” he explained.
As a result, key public concerns remain unresolved—ranging from ration distribution and power supply issues to smart meter installations, electricity tariffs, casual labor regularization, and rising unemployment. Karra reminded that both alliance partners had made strong commitments in their election manifestos, promising relief on these fronts.
Expressing concerns over what he termed “deliberate governance stagnation,” Karra urged his coalition partners to act decisively. “I appeal to my alliance partners, who played a crucial role in forming this government, to ensure administrative effectiveness at both the central and local levels. Bureaucracy must function in sync with democratic governance to prevent further erosion of public trust,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Karra stressed the urgency of intervention, urging leaders to take these concerns seriously. “These issues have been raised repeatedly, and it is imperative that they reach those responsible for rectifying the situation. People cannot afford another cycle of disappointment,” he emphasized.