Jammu, Feb 09 (JKNS): Leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Monday criticised the Jammu and Kashmir government, alleging that the recent budget was prepared to favour the ruling National Conference (NC) and not the people of the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters, as per news agency JKNS, Sharma took strong exception to the Chief Minister’s reported remarks describing it as a “National Conference budget,” calling such a statement “deeply unfortunate.”
“This government may belong to the National Conference, but the budget cannot be of any political party. A Chief Minister saying this is a party budget is extremely unfortunate. This is a budget for Jammu and Kashmir and for its people,” Sharma said.
He alleged that the intention behind the budget has now become clear, claiming that development schemes and projects have largely been confined to NC-held constituencies.
“I had already pointed out that the reflection of Government of India schemes is visible only in National Conference constituencies. Now, if the Chief Minister himself admits it, it is very unfortunate for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Sharma questioned the absence of development initiatives in BJP-held constituencies.
“Look at roads, buildings, and new infrastructure projects wherever there is a National Conference MLA, funds have been allocated. Tell us what initiatives have been taken in constituencies represented by the BJP. If this is not an NC-specific budget, then what should we call it?” he asked.
The LoP also raised objections over the utilisation of funds under the SAKSHI (SASCI) scheme, stating that it was meant to complete abandoned and ongoing projects through interest-free loans for 50 years, but was allegedly misused.
“Even SAKSHI funds, which were provided by the Government of India to complete abandoned projects for public benefit, were treated like the National Conference’s personal treasury to please its legislators,” Sharma alleged.
He further criticised the formation of a committee for the next installment, saying the first allocation itself should be investigated.
“You distributed the first installment with one eye closed. Now you are forming committees. The National Conference government is functioning only as a party government,” he said.
Sharma alleged that issues concerning daily wagers, the poor, and unemployed youth are being sidelined, while political narratives are prioritised.
“When we raise issues of unemployment, poverty, and daily wagers, they talk about Article 370. But when funds arrive, they are utilised only in their own constituencies,” he added.
He asserted that SAKSHI funds were sanctioned solely for public welfare projects and accused the government of misusing them for political gains.
“This money was for projects beneficial to the people, not to satisfy MPs and MLAs of one party. Let us see how the next installment is handled,” Sharma said. —(JKNS)
