Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 21: Senior Congress leader and former Minister Mula Ram, while addressing a series of public meetings at Khanpur, Sari, Raipur, Dei Chak, Sarora, Bhagat Pur, Bhadore, Basti Sari, Lal Din Chak, and Shahpur in Marh Block, called on the people to teach the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a lesson in the upcoming Assembly elections.
He criticized the BJP-led Central Government for failing to deliver on its promises, particularly in the region, and highlighted several pressing issues that have burdened the common people.
Mula Ram underscored the abrogation of Article 370, and said property tax implementation, rising toll taxes, and the spread of unemployment are the major ‘gifts’ of the BJP Govt to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He stressed that the removal of Article 370, which the BJP claimed would lead to development and job creation, has instead worsened the condition of the local population.
The imposition of property tax and numerous toll taxes, which have become a daily burden, is another sign of how disconnected the BJP is from the ground realities and the suffering of the common people, Mula Ram said.
Referring to the BJP’s promise of creating 10 lakh jobs for the youth of J&K, Mula Ram called it a classic example of the “jumlas” (false promises) that have defined the party’s tenure. He said the BJP has miserably failed to create meaningful employment opportunities for the youth, who continue to suffer from an unprecedented rise in joblessness.
This growing unemployment, coupled with increasing substance abuse and drug addiction, is pushing Jammu and Kashmir’s youth into a dark future, he said adding that the drug menace has flourished due to the government’s lack of focus and poor governance in the region.
Mula Ram said installation of smart meters, have caused widespread public outcry due to inflated electricity bills. He stated that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are already facing a financial crunch due to the imposition of property tax and other levies, and the smart meters have only added to their woes.
“The time has come to teach the BJP a lesson for betraying the trust of the people and for their anti-people policies,” he said.
Senior leaders Madan Lal Bhagat, Th Hari Singh Chib; Jeet Choudhary; Darshan Bhagat, Bal Krishan, Saudagar Saini, Dr Gopal, Col Som Nath Dogra, Sat Pal Saini and Varinder Lakhotra were also present.