‘Where is statehood?’ Dy CM hits back at BJP

NC govt failed to fulfil promises: LoP Sharma Rehan Qayoom Mir Srinagar, Sep 24: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma on Thursday said the National Conference‑led government has failed to fulfil its promises and provide basic amenities during its two years in office, questioning its commitments on free LPG cylinders, electricity, jobs, education and healthcare. Reacting to the government’s approval of six free LPG cylinders annually for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families, Sharma termed the decision a “mockery” and questioned the earlier promise of providing one free cylinder every month to every household. “They had announced that one cylinder would be given to every household every month. Today they have made a big joke with the people of J&K by giving only six cylinders in the name of AAY,” Sharma said while speaking to reporters at the Assembly Secretariat, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO). He asked, “If they have to give only to AAY, then where are those 24 cylinders over the past two years? And what about the rest of the people?” Sharma also questioned the government’s earlier promise of 200 units of free electricity for AAY families. “Two years ago, one year ago, the CM said he would give 200 units of electricity to AAY. That has not been delivered either,” he said. He further questioned the status of the government’s commitment to provide one lakh jobs, alleging that several promises made to the people remained unfulfilled. On the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), Sharma said teachers who had served for years were being asked to prove themselves again, expressing concern over the manner in which the issue had been handled. “Teachers have contributed immensely to building our society and shaping generations. Yet, the government has failed to hold any meaningful debate on their concerns and has shown little sensitivity towards their difficulties. The manner in which this issue has been handled has left the teaching community deeply disappointed,” he said. On healthcare, Sharma said around 1,500 doctor posts were vacant and 219 ventilators in Government Medical Colleges were non‑functional. He also questioned diagnostic facilities and the availability of essential materials, including CT scans and X‑ray films. “The health infrastructure cannot be allowed to suffer while the government continues to offer excuses. When patients are struggling to access basic healthcare, the government must answer why critical posts remain vacant and why essential equipment is lying defunct,” he said. Sharma further criticised the functioning of the Assembly, alleging that issues of public importance were not being adequately discussed. “The government is least bothered to discuss or address issues of public importance. They are just setting up a session for the sake of a session,” he said, adding that the sitting was being held merely to meet the constitutional requirement of convening the Assembly within six months. (KNO)