Jammu, Apr 5: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led central government, accusing it of treating the people of the Union Territory as “second-class citizens” by denying them statehood.
He also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that he was silently taking directives from US President Donald Trump — something, he said, had never happened in the country since independence.
Addressing a party rally at Ghou Manhasan in Marh constituency on the outskirts of Jammu, Karra claimed key decisions regarding Jammu and Kashmir were being taken by the Centre through the Lt Governor despite the presence of an elected government.
“The BJP-led central government is treating people here (J&K) as second-class citizens by depriving them of statehood. Key decisions are being taken by the Centre through its nominated head (Lt Governor), despite an elected government being in place,” Karra said.
“The dual-control system is the root cause of the prevailing uncertainty and lack of accountability,” Karra added.
He urged people to question the BJP over its “failure” to deliver on promises of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and ensuring development despite securing a strong mandate in the Jammu region.
Karra claimed the party’s 29 MLAs have remained silent on the issue of statehood and failed to secure adequate funds for Jammu and Kashmir, particularly for flood-affected people and farmers.
“The unemployed and daily wagers, contractual and temporary employees, are suffering due to a lack of an adequate financial package from the Centre. The Centre and the BJP cannot escape responsibility towards youth who are suffering,” he said.
Targeting Prime Minister Modi, Karra alleged that he was under external influence and that Trump was dictating terms and imposing decisions on India. He said Modi was “compromised due to pressures of Epstein files revelations and the Adani case”.
“India never succumbed to the pressures of superpowers and always followed an independent foreign policy right from Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru in the interests of our nation.
“For the first time, the US is imposing decisions against the interests of our country as the PM is compromised,” he said.
Describing the situation as a “very serious” attack on the country’s sovereignty and dignity, Karra questioned the prime minister’s silence on the matter.
“The recent (trade) deal with the US is anti-farmers, anti-people and has put the economic interests of our country at stake, as Indians have to bear the brunt of US taxes. All commodities, including LPG, petrol, and diesel, have become costlier and more would follow,” he said.
