Nadeem Nadu
Jammu, Feb 09 :
Leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Jammu and Kashmir government, accusing it of drafting a budget aimed at benefiting the ruling National Conference rather than serving the broader public interest.
Addressing reporters according to news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC LoP Sharma expressed strong displeasure over the Chief Minister’s alleged remarks referring to the financial plan as a “National Conference budget,” terming the statement as “highly unfortunate.”
“A government may be run by a political party, but the budget cannot belong to that party. For a Chief Minister to describe it as a party budget is deeply regrettable. This budget is meant for Jammu and Kashmir and its people,” Sharma said.
He claimed that the intent behind the budget has now been exposed, alleging that development initiatives and central schemes have been disproportionately directed towards constituencies represented by the National Conference.
“I had earlier stated that Government of India schemes are visible only in NC constituencies. If the Chief Minister himself acknowledges this, it reflects badly on governance and is unjust to the people of J&K,” he remarked.
Questioning the government’s development priorities, Sharma asked why BJP-represented constituencies were left out.
“Whether it is roads, buildings, or infrastructure projects, allocations are seen only in NC-held areas. What has been done in constituencies represented by the BJP? If this is not a party-driven budget, then what else should it be called?” he questioned.
The LoP also objected to the use of funds under the SAKSHI (SASCI) scheme, stating that the interest-free funding for completion of abandoned and ongoing projects was allegedly diverted to appease ruling party legislators.
“SAKSHI funds were sanctioned by the Government of India purely for public welfare and completion of stalled projects. Instead, they were treated as a political resource to satisfy National Conference representatives,” Sharma alleged.
He further criticised the government for constituting a committee for the next tranche of funds, asserting that the initial allocation itself warranted scrutiny.
“The first installment was distributed selectively. Now committees are being formed. This government is functioning more like a party organisation than a public institution,” he said.
Sharma also alleged that genuine public issues such as unemployment, poverty, and concerns of daily wagers were being ignored.
“Whenever we raise issues related to unemployed youth, the poor, or daily wagers, they divert the discussion to Article 370. But when funds are received, they are spent only in their own constituencies,” he added.
Reiterating that SAKSHI funds were meant strictly for people-centric projects, Sharma warned against politicisation of development.
“These funds were not meant to serve the interests of one party. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve fairness. The handling of the next installment will reveal the government’s true intent,” he said. —(KNC)