National Conference on Thursday termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address in a public rally here as the “same worn-out rhetoric” that Jammu and Kashmir has been hearing for the past five years.
NC General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar said the Prime Minister’s visit and speech have left many disappointed.
“It’s the same worn-out rhetoric that Jammu and Kashmir has been hearing for the past five years, yet there’s still a lack of confidence in holding elections. People were eagerly awaiting announcements regarding statehood, a promise of a democratically elected government by September, job packages for the unemployed, relief from the power crisis, and major development projects.
“Unfortunately, none of these expectations were met. Instead, they were presented with recycled projects. Young entrepreneurs, who have succeeded through their efforts, were exploited in the name of Viksit Bharat,” Sagar said in a statement.
The NC leader alleged that thousands of poor daily wage workers from various departments, who travelled from distant parts of Jammu and Kashmir, were hoping for regularisation, but were left disheartened.
“Employees were compelled to attend the function, and there are reports that even ill employees, including pregnant women, were required to attend without exception. The speech mainly consisted of juggling numbers and rebranding old projects, offering nothing substantial for the people,” he said.
The NC leader said it was “disappointing” that there was no mention of the return of Kashmiri pundits, who have been at the forefront of the BJP’s politics.
“The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference remains committed to democratic principles and is confident that the false narrative propagated by the BJP will be debunked through the ballot box during elections,” he added.
