Jammu: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the National Conference government, accusing them of “brazenly betraying the public mandate” by facilitating policies allegedly aimed at protecting elite and vested interests.
Sharma alleged that the government’s decision to permit a private member’s bill seeking amendments to the Land Grants Act has exposed its true intent of favouring a privileged few at the cost of the common people. He said the speed with which the Chief Minister allowed the bill has raised serious questions about the motives behind the move.
“For all those who voted for the National Conference believing it would fight for their rights, it is with deep regret that I say this: your mandate now appears to be used not for public good, but to safeguard elite interests,” Sharma said.
“Be it Nedous, the Chief Minister’s personal property, or a circle of influential, blue-eyed, cocktail-circuit associates, this government is working overtime to protect its own,” he added.
Sharma asserted that the proposed amendments are a calculated attempt to reopen the doors for re-leasing vast tracts of prime government land at throwaway prices.
“This is not an isolated decision. It reflects a pattern that has persisted for decades, where public resources are quietly handed over to the powerful and well-connected,” he said.
The BJP leader further accused Omar Abdullah of prioritising personal and political interests over public welfare.
“The Chief Minister seems more concerned about safeguarding his own properties and those of his blue-eyed favourites than protecting the rights of ordinary citizens. This is governance for the elite, by the elite,” Sharma said.
Questioning the moral basis of the government’s actions, Sharma asked what message such a move sends to the common citizen of Jammu & Kashmir.
“Does this mean that the people’s vote can be misused to empower a privileged few? Instead of safeguarding public assets and ensuring justice for the marginalised, this government is enabling and patronising those who have long benefited at the cost of the poor,” he said.
Calling the development “deeply unfortunate and alarming,” Sharma said such actions erode public trust and weaken democratic accountability.
“This is disappointing and a clear betrayal of trust. The people of Jammu & Kashmir deserve transparency, fairness and governance that serves all, not just a select few,” he concluded.
