Tanveer Hussain
Budgam, Oct 23 (JKNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday focused on development-related issues during his visit to Beerwah in Budgam district, declining to comment on cabinet expansion and other matters outside the scheduled programme.
For nearly two years, Omar Abdullah had generally responded to questions posed by the media and had not refused to comment on issues raised by reporters.
However, over the past week, his remarks have largely remained confined to the programmes he attends, with the Chief Minister declining to comment on questions outside the scope of his scheduled engagements.
During Friday’s interaction with reporters in Budgam, as per news agency JKNS, CM Omar said his government was making efforts to ensure development in every area, as he inaugurated development works worth around ₹26 crore and laid foundation stones for five projects in Beerwah.
The Chief Minister said he shared a special bond with the Beerwah Assembly constituency and had never forgotten the support extended to him by its voters in 2014.
“I had told the people here that I would remain indebted to them throughout my life, and I will continue working to repay that favour,” he said.
Omar said he had made efforts as an MLA earlier and, after coming to power, he and his colleagues had worked to facilitate development in the constituency, enabling local MLA Dr Shafi to carry forward development works.
Highlighting the projects, he said the reconstruction of the bridge over Nal-e-Sukhnaat was among the major demands of the people and that the bridge had now been handed over to the public.
He said beautification works along the riverbank, including a walking track and decks, were also being taken up, while ₹4 crore had been earmarked for lanes and drains in Beerwah.
On power infrastructure, the Chief Minister said the foundation stone for a receiving station had been laid to address concerns over the capacity of the existing facility. He expressed hope that it would become operational within four to five months.
He added that a transformer repair workshop was being established following a demand raised by MLA Dr Shafi, which would facilitate local repairs, particularly during winter.
Omar assured that incomplete development works would be prioritised and completed as soon as possible.
Responding to a question about the demand for a stadium, he said a suitable site would be identified in consultation with the local MLA, after which the Sports Department would take up its development.
On concerns that the proposed highway alignment could affect businesses if it bypassed the town, Omar said the government had taken up the matter with the highway authorities and would try to address the concerns of local residents.
When asked about cabinet expansion and other issues, the Chief Minister declined to comment, saying his visit was focused on the development and concerns of Beerwah. (JKNS)
