Jammu, Dec 18 (JKNS): The developer of the Ratle Hydroelectric Power Project at Drabshalla, Kishtwar Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL) has acted in an unprofessional, irresponsible and reckless manner by attempting to malign the elected representative of Kishtwar, MLA Shagun Parihar, said BJP spokesperson Girdhari Lal Raina.
Girdhari Lal Raina, J&K BJP spokesperson, and Former MLC, accompanied by Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, J&K BJP Media Incharge, was addressing a press conference at the BJP Headquarters in Trikuta Nagar, Jammu,
The Joint Chief Operating Officer of MEIL, Harpal Singh, has publicly levelled baseless and defamatory allegations against local BJP leaders, accusing them of exerting pressure and issuing “threats” to force the company to hire local workers or surrender the project. These allegations have been categorically rejected by the BJP leadership, Raina emphasized.
MLA Shagun Parihar has unequivocally denied these false claims and has issued a legal notice to Harpal Singh for defamation and deliberate maligning, while also highlighting MEIL’s failure to address genuine concerns of the local population, he added. Her legal team has demanded an unconditional public apology, failing which a defamation suit of ₹10 crore will be instituted against him.
Former MLC stressed that as an elected representative, Shagun Parihar is constitutionally and morally duty-bound to listen to the grievances of her constituents and raise them with the concerned authorities.
He clarified that raising the issue of illegal retrenchment of local workers by MEIL was not only justified but necessary. Similarly, flagging concerns regarding the background of certain recruits is a responsible act of public accountability.
Attempting to give these issues a communal colour is deeply unfortunate and appears to be a deliberate effort to divert attention from facts and failures.
Harpal Singh, instead of introspection, is seeking to conceal incompetence, inefficiency and political bias by selectively briefing the media while refusing to answer questions from credible media outlets.
Raina further stated that even the district administration has advised MEIL to focus on timely completion of the project rather than indulging in political theatrics. As per available information work at the Rattle Power Project is progressing at a slow pace and is probably going to miss even the revised schedule for commissioning.
He also criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for displaying political bias and an inability to accept electoral defeat in Kishtwar. Raina reminded the Chief Minister that he represents the entire Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, not a region or a political party.
Questioning an elected MLA for raising public issues while remaining silent on similar actions by defeated or unelected leaders from his own party exposes clear double standards.
Raina strongly condemned the INDI alliance, including the Congress party, for indulging in negative and obstructionist politics aimed solely at denying the BJP credit for the historic transformation of Jammu & Kashmir post-2019, which has ushered in peace, stability and all-round development. (JKNS)
