Srinagar, May 13 (KNO): Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma on Wednesday slammed the Omar Abdullah-led government over governance in Jammu and Kashmir, saying its headquarters seem to lie somewhere between marathon tracks and Gulmarg’s ski slopes.
Speaking to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Sharma alleged that misgovernance and corruption have peaked during Omar Abdullah’s government.
“If you are looking for Omar Abdullah or his ministers, don’t go to the Civil Secretariat. You should look for them somewhere between marathon tracks and Gulmarg’s ski slopes,” he said.
He further alleged that Omar Abdullah’s government is only concerned with the interests of elites, and not with the common man.
“Omar Abdullah–led government allowed the introduction of the lease extension bill to protect the interests of Kashmir’s rich, who have been provided land for peanuts. On the other hand, it has shut its eyes to the problems faced by the common people of J&K. You should visit the hospitals and see that there are no doctors or facilities. The roads across the Union Territory are in shambles, and instead of receiving 200 free units of electricity, people are burdened with hefty power bills,” Sharma added.
On the controversy surrounding the demand for a liquor ban, the LoP said Omar Abdullah’s statement on the issue reeked of arrogance. “This was not only a U-turn from promises made by the National Conference but also shows arrogant behaviour as usual. One of their MPs talked about a liquor ban during the campaign,” he said.
On Sunday, Omar Abdullah said that no one was being forced to consume alcohol and that people visited liquor shops by their own choice. After facing criticism over the issue, the Chief Minister said his comments were being “twisted” by political opponents.
To a question about controversy over his remarks on emergence of Eknath Shinde in the National Conference, Sharma said the party is a sinking ship and will drown at any cost.
“The National Conference is a sinking ship. While its members are desperate to desert it, nobody is yet ready to accept them. I can tell you with authority this government will not last its full term and its downfall has begun,” he said.
Sharma said it wouldn't be appropriate to speak on RS polls cross-voting at this stage—(KNO)