Bhalla Slams BJP for ‘Criminal Silence’ on Jammu’s Mounting Civic Woes

•  Sawhney  targets BJP over Jammu’s civic problems.

Jammu, Feb 11: Former Minister and Working President of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), Raman Bhalla, on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the elected representatives of Jammu district, accusing them of maintaining a “criminal silence” over the mounting day-to-day problems faced by residents of the region.

Addressing a meeting of the District Congress Committee (DCC) Jammu Urban at the JKPCC headquarters in Shaheedi Chowk, Bhalla said that civic issues in Jammu city were compounding with every passing day, while those entrusted with representing the people had failed to discharge their responsibilities.

He alleged that the ongoing Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was being misused by BJP members, who, instead of raising pressing public concerns, were indulging in “irrelevant and emotive issues” to divert attention from their governance failures.

“The Assembly is meant to be a platform to highlight the grievances of the people and seek accountability from the government. Unfortunately, BJP legislators are more interested in political theatrics than addressing the real problems of the common man,” Bhalla said.

Highlighting the deteriorating civic infrastructure in Jammu, the senior Congress leader said that the devastating floods in August had severely damaged roads, drainage systems, and other essential infrastructure in many parts of the region. However, he alleged that no substantial or time-bound measures had been taken to restore normalcy or provide relief to affected residents.

Bhalla further claimed that people in several localities of Jammu city and adjoining areas were grappling with acute shortages of drinking water, erratic power supply, poor sanitation, and dilapidated roads. He said overflowing drains, pothole-ridden streets, and uncollected garbage had become a routine sight, posing health hazards and inconveniencing commuters.

“Residents are forced to protest repeatedly for basic amenities, but their voices are being ignored. The government must wake up to the ground realities,” he said.

Raising concerns over the implementation of welfare schemes, Bhalla alleged that elderly citizens, widows, and other marginalised sections were not receiving the benefits they were entitled to under various social security programmes. He accused the administration of failing to ensure transparency and proper monitoring of these schemes.

“It is unfortunate that the most vulnerable sections of society are being deprived of their rightful benefits. The elected representatives should have taken up these issues forcefully in the Assembly, but they have failed to do so,” he added.

Bhalla also called for a comprehensive review of development works in the Jammu region and demanded immediate steps to address infrastructure gaps, strengthen public services, and ensure the timely delivery of welfare benefits. He urged the government to prioritise public welfare over political rhetoric and restore the faith of the people in democratic institutions.

Reaffirming the Congress party’s commitment to safeguarding public interests, Bhalla assured party workers that the organisation would continue to raise people’s issues at every available platform and hold the government accountable for its alleged shortcomings.

District Congress Committee (DCC) Jammu Urban president and former minister Yogesh Sawhney, in his address, highlighted the growing day-to-day problems faced by residents of Jammu city, alleging that the indifferent attitude of elected representatives and those at the helm of affairs has aggravated public hardships.

Sawhney said that people across various localities of Jammu were grappling with basic civic issues, including irregular water supply, unscheduled power cuts, damaged roads, poor sanitation, and inadequate drainage facilities.

He alleged that despite repeated complaints from residents, the authorities have failed to take effective steps to address these concerns.

“The common man is suffering due to administrative apathy and lack of accountability. Unfortunately, those elected to represent the people have chosen to remain indifferent to their plight,” Sawhney said.

The former minister expressed regret that instead of focusing on resolving pressing public issues, elected representatives from Jammu were indulging in “cheap publicity” to mislead and hoodwink the people. He said symbolic gestures and media appearances cannot substitute for concrete action on the ground.

“Public representatives should prioritise basic amenities and infrastructure development. People expect solutions, not slogans or photo opportunities,” he remarked.

Sawhney also stressed the need for strengthening civic infrastructure and ensuring time-bound redressal of grievances. He urged the administration to streamline public service delivery mechanisms and remain responsive to the needs of residents.

Reiterating the Congress party’s commitment to raising people’s concerns, Sawhney said the party would continue to highlight civic issues at all appropriate forums and press for immediate remedial measures to ease the difficulties faced by the citizens of Jammu.

Mr. Rajesh Sharma, Sanjeev Kaital, Chander Shekhar, Pawan Sharma, Latish Sharma, Pardeep Bhagat, Janak Raj and Ram Magotra also spoke in the meeting.