Jammu: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Sunday slammed the BJP for its “lack of concern” for Jammu and said the Omar Abdullah-led government will ensure comprehensive development of the region.
The former chief minister also emphasized the importance of the bi-annual ‘Darbar Move’, an age-old practice stopped by the Lieutenant Governor-led administration in 2021 under which the government used to function six months each in Srinagar and Jammu, as a tradition that promotes unity and harmony among both regions.
“The current state of affairs in Jammu, particularly in terms of roads and infrastructure, exposes the lack of concern the BJP has for the region. The numerous potholes, unreliable power supply, high unemployment rates, toll plazas, job outsourcing and mining activities, as well as the influx of big retail players, all serve as glaring examples of the BJP’s indifference towards the local population.
“The promises made by the BJP have proven to be nothing but empty words as nearly a decade has passed with little to show for it. Where are the promised jobs, new roads, schools, and hospitals,” Abdullah asked.
He said with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah leading a democratic government, the Jammu region can finally look forward to comprehensive development.
Farooq Abdullah was speaking at a commemorative function to honour the 92nd birth anniversary of senior Congress leader and former deputy chief minister Pandit Mangat Ram Sharma here.
He emphasized the importance of unity and harmony to bring development benefits to the troubled region, highlighting that India is a country rich in diversity, with each region boasting its own unique culture, language and set of challenges that require localised solutions.
“Jammu and Kashmir, in particular, is a region with a diverse culture, and the ‘Darbar Move’ was established to promote unity in diversity. The primary objective of this traditional annual move was not only to bring together two regions but also to enhance trade and community relations,” the NC chief said.
Abdullah expressed his disappointment that the BJP viewed this tradition as a “hindrance to their agenda”, leading to its discontinuation.
However, he stressed the importance of reviving this practice to bridge divisions, a goal that the Omar Abdullah-led NC government was actively pursuing.
He assured that the government would focus on not only promoting development but also fostering unity among the people.
Abdullah emphasized the significance of embracing diversity and working towards unity in the progress and harmony of J&K.
Abdullah suggests national capital should be shifted out of Delhi
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and president of the ruling National Conference (NC), Dr Farooq Abdullah said on Sunday that as long as the national capital is not shifted from New Delhi to somewhere else, the choking pollution in the city is not going to go away.
Talking to media persons here, Farooq Abdullah said that the national capital should be shifted somewhere else from Delhi.
“Unless the national capital is shifted somewhere else from Delhi, pollution affecting the lives of the people there is not going to go away,” he said.
The national capital has been grappling with high pollution levels which remained in the ‘severe’ category for the fifth day in a row on Sunday, with an air quality index (AQI) of 428 at 7.30 a.m.
Asked about the performance of the Omar Abdullah-headed NC government in the union territory, which has completed one month in office, the elder Abdullah said, “We have achieved much during this short period. We have five years still left in power and all that we have promised to people in our manifesto will be achieved.”
He questioned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti’s right to question the intentions of the NC with regard to its election manifesto.
“Why is she bothered about us? We said clearly in our manifesto what we want to achieve and all that will be achieved,” Dr Abdullah asserted.
Asked about the security meetings being held in the UT wherein Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has not been invited, Dr Abdullah said, “We are in power just for one month so far. Don’t worry about this. Everything will happen in due time.”
He said this in reply to a question about the demand being raised by some Hindu organisations that their community should also have a board like the Waqf board of Muslims, he said the matter is being debated in Parliament. He said that when the Parliament meets on November 25, these issues can be discussed in the House.
