Bandipora: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Jammu and Kashmir, organised a district-level meeting-cum-workshop in Bandipora on Thursday.
The programme was chaired by Ashok Koul, General Secretary (Organisation), who addressed the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–GRAM G) workshop, followed by an organisational meeting with the district team. The event aimed at strengthening grassroots-level organisational functioning and ensuring effective outreach of government initiatives.
Koul was accompanied by BJP State General Secretary Anwar Khan, State Secretary Mudasir Wani, District President Bandipora Mudasir Jan, and other senior party leaders and office-bearers.
Addressing party leaders and workers, Ashok Koul elaborated on the VB–GRAM G initiative, describing it as a landmark programme focused on employment generation, rural empowerment, and inclusive development. The workshop provided detailed insights into the Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) framework, explaining how the new structure would enhance employment opportunities and livelihood security for people in rural areas.
He urged party leaders to actively convey the benefits of the initiative to the people, especially in rural and far-flung areas, so that maximum citizens can take advantage of schemes aimed at strengthening village economies and creating sustainable livelihoods. Party workers were briefed on various provisions of the scheme and how it would directly benefit constituents across different villages and regions.
Following the workshop, a party workers’ meeting was convened in which the leadership emphasised the need for grassroots activism and responsiveness. Koul called upon BJP workers to remain vigilant and proactive in assisting people in their respective areas, constituencies, and districts, ensuring that government schemes and benefits reach the intended beneficiaries without delay or discrimination.
During the meeting, Ashok Koul launched a sharp criticism of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, questioning his commitment to the people who voted for him. “The Chief Minister should be available to the people who voted for him and granted a huge mandate to the National Conference,” Koul said. He expressed disappointment over what he described as the Chief Minister’s indifference to the suffering of people across the Valley during the current crisis.
Koul took particular exception to reports of the Chief Minister engaging in recreational activities at Gulmarg while citizens continue to grapple with hardships. “The Chief Minister should address the suffering of people across the Valley during these crisis times instead of enjoying skiing trips in Gulmarg,” he remarked, adding that such actions reflect a disconnect between the leadership and the masses.
In a stinging observation, Koul further stated, “People have now realised that their votes were merely visas for a life of luxury for the leadership they voted for.” He added that the ruling dispensation has failed to address public grievances effectively.
