Jammu: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Sunil Sharma on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the National Conference government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the recent hike in transport fares, terming the move “anti-poor, anti-middle class, and a complete betrayal of pre-election promises.”
Sharma said the fare hike has exposed what he described as the “true face” of the government, alleging that it came to power on assurances of relief, employment, and people-friendly governance but has instead imposed a series of measures burdening the common people. He asserted that public transport is a lifeline for lakhs of residents, including students, labourers, traders, employees, farmers, and low-income families, and that the hike would further strain already stretched household budgets.
“At a time when inflation is already breaking the backs of common citizens, the government has chosen to make life even more difficult,” he said.
The BJP leader accused the government of failing to fulfil its poll promises and being disconnected from ground realities. He said the National Conference had projected itself as a protector of public interests before elections but has, after assuming power, imposed “burden after burden” on the people. “Their promises have collapsed within months, exposing hypocrisy and political opportunism,” he added.
Sharma further alleged that the government has shown insensitivity towards the economic hardships faced by ordinary citizens, pointing to rising prices of essential commodities, electricity, fuel, and continued unemployment among youth. He said instead of offering relief, the administration was compounding difficulties through decisions like fare hikes.
He also criticised the government’s overall performance, alleging failures in governance, administration, and public welfare. “People voted with hope, but the response has been arrogance, incompetence, and betrayal. Every decision reflects poor planning and disregard for public suffering,” he said.
According to Sharma, growing public resentment indicates that electoral promises were merely political slogans. He claimed that the gap between the government’s commitments and its performance has become increasingly evident.
Demanding an immediate rollback of the fare hike, Sharma warned against further decisions that could “exploit the people.” He said the BJP would continue to raise its voice against what he termed anti-people policies and stand with the common citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.