RS Pura: Raman Bhalla, Working President of the Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee, today conducted an extensive tour of RS Pura, where he, according to the JKPCC spokesperson, addressed pressing public concerns and strongly articulated the dual challenges confronting the Union Territory: economic distress under flawed GST policies and the absence of full statehood.
Bhalla criticised the BJP-led government for introducing what it describes as the “next phase of GST reforms,” terming them an “eyewash” and a diversion from the deeper damage caused by earlier GST inflation.
He observed that the inflated taxation structure has, over the years, placed an unprecedented burden on households, small traders, and micro enterprises, aggravating inflationary pressures on the economy.
“The BJP first inflated GST, directly fueling inflation and weakening small businesses. Now, in the name of reforms, it is attempting cosmetic changes without acknowledging the harm done. The people of this country deserve transparency, relief, and accountability—not political eyewash,” Bhalla stated.
Beyond economic concerns, Bhalla placed renewed emphasis on the urgent demand for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir. He said the existing framework of dual governance, with significant powers concentrated in the hands of the Lieutenant Governor and others dispersed among limited elected representatives, has weakened democratic accountability and created serious administrative confusion.
“Governance cannot function effectively under divided authority. The absence of full statehood has disempowered the people of Jammu & Kashmir, restricted decision-making, and created policy paralysis. Statehood is not a concession—it is a constitutional and democratic right,” Bhalla asserted.
He warned that as long as statehood remains denied, Jammu & Kashmir will continue to face governance hurdles, delayed welfare delivery, and weakened public trust. He urged the BJP to stop delaying and immediately restore statehood to uphold the dignity and rights of the people.
During the RS Pura visit, Bhalla was accompanied by senior party leaders and local representatives, including:
Yashpal (Block President), Jasmeet Singh, Tirath Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Harjit Singh, Vikas Kant, Ashok Lahria, Satish Kumar, Rattan Lal, Ramesh Lal, Ravi Rattan, Chaman Lal, Bishan Das, and Krishan Lal.
The leadership, along with local citizens, extended strong support to Bhalla’s call for economic justice and restoration of statehood, reaffirming the Congress Party’s resolve to continue this struggle at every platform.
