Jammu: Intensifying his attack on the BJP-led government at the Centre, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Working President and former minister Raman Bhalla on Thursday accused it of failing to address the day-to-day issues faced by common people, particularly rising inflation, shortage of essential commodities and alleged black-marketing of LPG cylinders.
Addressing a public gathering at Bahu Fort, Bhalla said people across Jammu and Kashmir are reeling under the burden of unprecedented price rise, which has severely affected household budgets.
He alleged that the Centre has failed to regulate the prices of essential commodities, leaving ordinary citizens to cope with mounting economic pressure on their own.
“From food items to cooking fuel, everything has become costlier. The government has turned a blind eye to the sufferings of the people,” Bhalla said.
He further alleged that the BJP-led dispensation was safeguarding the interests of big business houses while ignoring the needs of the common masses.
Bhalla said that since the BJP came to power at the Centre, the gap between the rich and the poor has widened. Instead of extending relief to weaker sections, he alleged, policies were being framed to benefit only a select few, pushing ordinary people into deeper financial distress.
Referring to tensions in the Middle East, Bhalla said global developments had added to the economic strain, leading to further escalation in prices and supply disruptions. He claimed that common people were bearing the brunt without adequate intervention from the government.
The Congress leader also expressed concern over the alleged shortage and black-marketing of LPG cylinders, saying many households were struggling to get timely supplies.
“On one hand, prices have skyrocketed, and on the other, people are forced to run from pillar to post due to artificial shortages and black-marketing. This reflects a complete failure of governance,” he said.
Bhalla also criticised the BJP over what he termed as unfulfilled promises, saying many of the commitments made to the people had remained confined to paper.
“The government had made tall claims about improving the quality of life of citizens, but the ground reality tells a different story. People are disillusioned and feel betrayed,” he added.
During the interaction, local residents raised a range of civic issues, including irregular supply of essential commodities, inadequate public services and the rising cost of living. They urged immediate intervention to address their grievances and provide relief to affected households.
Reiterating the Congress party’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of common people, Bhalla said their concerns would be raised at appropriate forums. He stressed the need for pro-people policies, effective price control mechanisms and strict action against black-marketing to ensure the availability of essential items at fair prices.
