Srinagar, Sept 16: Senior BJP leader and the Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma on Wednesday accused the National Conference-led Government of using the demand for restoration of statehood as an excuse to evade responsibility for governance issues, saying the administration must deliver within the powers and resources presently available to it.
Addressing reporters in Baramulla district of North Kashmir, Sharma said the Opposition had launched an outreach to district headquarters to directly hear grievances of people and take up their concerns during the forthcoming Assembly session.
“A lot of people have come from North Kashmir with their issues. Our legislative group has decided that before this Assembly session, we will go to every district headquarters and listen to the problems of the people,” he said.
Sharma said people from different sections had approached the Opposition with concerns relating to roads, bridges, tourism, water supply and other basic amenities.
“This is purely apolitical. We will not call this a political meeting. We have come here to listen to the problems of the people and raise them in the concerned quarters,” he said.
Taking on the Government, the LoP alleged that corruption had crossed limits and questioned the manner in which the available administrative powers and resources were being utilised.
“Let them pave the way for us. We will show you how to work. They have the work, but they are not using it,” Sharma said.
He said the Government could not cite the absence of full statehood as a reason for shortcomings in areas falling within its existing responsibilities.
Employment emerged as another major issue in Sharma’s remarks. He alleged that the youth were facing distress over job opportunities and accused the Government of filling positions through outsourcing.
The LoP said the Opposition would raise the concerns of various sections of employees and workers in the Assembly, including NHM employees, daily wagers and Anganwadi workers.
He also alleged that funds provided by the Centre were not being utilised effectively on the ground. Sharma linked the issue with the delay in holding Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies elections, saying the Opposition would seek answers from the Government on these matters.
The BJP leader also criticised the increase in electricity charges, alleging that the higher tariffs had added to the financial burden on the people.
Sharma said the Opposition would continue its district-level outreach and compile issues raised by people before taking them up in the Assembly and on other democratic platforms.
He maintained that the Government must be held accountable for its performance and that the Opposition would continue to highlight what it described as genuine public concerns, irrespective of the wider political debate over restoration of statehood.
