Budgam, Nov 08: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday lashed out at the National Conference (NC) for what she termed as “betrayal and deception” of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, accusing the party of failing to deliver on the promises it made during elections.
Addressing a public gathering in Budgam, Mehbooba said that a year has passed since NC came to power, but none of its commitments such as free gas, free electricity, and free ration have been fulfilled.
“One party comes and goes, and people are made to believe things will change. A year ago, they (NC) said they would not allow electricity meters to be installed and would throw them into the river.”
“They promised 200 units of free electricity, said gas prices were high and poor families would get it for free, and even claimed they would provide free ration. What happened to those promises?” she asked.
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She also said that the NC had promised to address issues of reservation injustice and assured people that no houses built on grazing land (‘gaas charai’) would be demolished. “Today, none of those assurances have been kept,” she remarked.
Taking a direct dig at NC Vice President Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba said, “Omar Sahab himself said he would contest from both Ganderbal and Budgam and that he would retain the seat where he received more votes. He got more votes in Budgam, yet he left this seat. Tell me, what has he done for Budgam since then?”
She said that while government employees are being dismissed, houses are being blasted, and frequent raids are taking place, Budgam continues to be ignored.
“Omar Sahab came to Budgam two days ago, but in the entire past year, did he call a single meeting here? Did he ask what can be done for Budgam, which still has no new MLA? Nothing of that sort has happened,” she said.
The PDP chief alleged that NC representatives are now moving around Budgam only for electoral purposes and have failed to deliver anything substantial for the people.
“They say they have kept everything safe for the people, but tell me, have they really thought about the people of Budgam?” she asked.
Reminding the public of Budgam’s long political association with NC, Mehbooba said, “Since 1977, you have been voting for NC. You made Aga Mehmood Sahib your MLA and minister several times so many that you may not even remember. Even the Chief Minister once belonged to Budgam. But what did you get in return? Nothing. The roads are in poor condition, and people’s lives have not changed.”
She also urged the people of Budgam to reflect on past experiences and support PDP for a genuine change. (KNC)
