Srinagar, Feb 6 (JKNS): Terming Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s second budget as a “loud but hollow exercise,” BJP Jammu and Kashmir spokesman Altaf Thakur on Friday said the much-hyped financial statement has exposed the government’s lack of vision, intent and delivery, leaving people disillusioned within hours of its presentation.
“The CM spoke at length, but substance was missing. Empty vessels make much noise, and this budget is a classic example of that,” Thakur said, reacting sharply to the speech on the floor of the House.
He said the budget was widely criticised by the opposition as misleading and a complete failure, accusing the government of packaging old schemes in new wrappers while betraying pre-election promises. “What was promised before polls has vanished after assuming office. The budget sounds good on paper but offers no tangible relief on the ground,” he remarked.
Taking strong exception to the dilution of the much-publicised free electricity promise, Thakur said limiting it only to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households was nothing short of deception. “Barely 5 to 7 per cent of the population will benefit. This is not welfare, this is eyewash,” he said.
Citing national media reports, including The Indian Express, Thakur said the budget merely parrots centrally sponsored schemes, with no originality or policy imagination to address Jammu and Kashmir’s unique local needs.
“There is no Jammu and Kashmir-specific roadmap only copy-paste governance,” he added.
The BJP spokesman also slammed what he called ‘jumla bazi’, accusing the government of indulging in empty rhetoric while betraying election vows. “Where are the promised free gas cylinders? Where are the job guarantees?” he asked.
“There is no credible job creation strategy for educated youth, daily wagers or casual employees groups that were repeatedly assured relief. The silence of the budget on these pressing concerns is alarming and cruel,” Thakur said.
Summing up the public sentiment, Thakur said the government had raised expectations sky-high but delivered next to nothing.
“Khoda pahad, nikla chooha,” he said, asserting that the people of Jammu and Kashmir would see through the noise and remember this betrayal. (JKNS)
