Jammu, October 27: Manish Sahni, President of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Jammu and Kashmir unit, today termed the two-year tenure of the Omar Abdullah-led government a failure to meet public expectations, alleging that the government was resorting to cabinet reshuffles and controversial statements to divert attention from its shortcomings.
Addressing a press conference at the party office, Sahni said the government had made major promises during the elections, including free electricity, employment for unemployed youth, regularisation of daily wagers and temporary employees, filling vacant government posts, promotion of local industries and infrastructure development. However, little progress had been made on these commitments, he alleged.
Questioning today’s cabinet expansion, Sahni said the removal of ministers representing the Jammu region had pushed Jammu’s political representation to the margins. He said the move raised serious concerns about the region’s fair share in governance and decision-making.
“Changing ministers will not deliver development. The government must fulfil its electoral promises and exert effective pressure on the Centre for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood,” Sahni said.
Reacting to Dr Farooq Abdullah’s remarks concerning Pakistan, Sahni said attributing peace in Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan was an insult to the bravery and supreme sacrifices of soldiers and security personnel who had fought terrorism. He demanded a clarification from Farooq Abdullah and a public apology for hurting the sentiments of the families of martyred soldiers and victims of terrorist attacks, including the Pahalgam attack.
Sahni said the people of Jammu and Kashmir needed concrete results, not political rhetoric, and were entitled to employment, equitable regional representation, democratic rights and accountable governance.
