National Conference Additional General Secretary and former Minister, Mr. Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, today lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for abandoning the people of Jammu region in the face of repeated natural calamities, saying BJP only surfaces during elections.
Interacting with people during his extensive tour of the flood-hit areas of Gurha Brahmna Ban Talab, Ganga Nagar, Machine Domana and Domana in Jammu North Assembly Constituency, Mr. Sadhotra expressed solidarity with the sufferers and said that the least the BJP could do now is to show some sympathy by seeking a liberal financial package from the Union Government during the ongoing visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This is the bare minimum the BJP owes to the people of Jammu who gave them a massive mandate in 2024, but were repaid with neglect, indifference and betrayal, he said.
Mr. Sadhotra took the BJP leadership to task for its criminal silence during devastating landslides, flash floods and cloudbursts that left scores of families uprooted. Where was the BJP which won on the slogan of protecting Jammu’s interests? He said at this time instead of standing with the people in this hour of sufferings and distress, they should have knocked at Delhi’s doors to secure relief for the victims.
Accusing the BJP of mastering the art of rhetoric without results, the NC Additional General Secretary said, after every tragedy, they issue hollow press statements from their comfortable drawing rooms, but when it comes to fighting for funds, compensation and rehabilitation of the people, their lips are sealed. Jammu does not need photo-ops, it needs action, and the BJP has miserably failed on this front, he added.
Mr. Sadhotra demanded immediate assessment of damages and adequate compensation for the affected families, including those who lost their homes, belongings, beddings, clothes, eatables, food grains, standing crops, livestock and means of livelihood. He urged that long-term preventive measures be put in place to safeguard lives and property against recurring natural calamities, saying this will need a liberal package by the Centre.
Lauding Chief Minister Jenab Omar Abdullah for standing firmly with the people, saying his government is working tirelessly to mitigate their suffering.
Reiterating the National Conference’s commitment to stand by the people in every hour of crisis, Mr. Sadhotra said, “Unlike the BJP, the National Conference does not vanish after elections. We will continue to be on the ground, shoulder to shoulder with the victims, until they get justice and fair rehabilitation.”
“The BJP’s arrogance, non-performance and insensitivity are now exposed before the people. Either they use Amit Shah’s visit to secure substantial financial relief for flood-hit Jammu, or else be ready to face the wrath of betrayed voters,” Mr. Sadhotra cautioned.
Others who accompanied Mr Sadhotra are Raghubir Singh Manhas District President, Ch Bagh Ali Zonal Secretary, Ranjeet Singh Vice President, Faquir Chand Ex-Sarpanch, Dr Tony, Rakesh Kumar Sharma YNC President, Randhir Singh, Sandeep Singh Manhas, Veer Ji Bhat, Ch Subash Chander, Bhupinder Singh, Ajeet Singh, Rishi Kumar.
NC Additional General Secretary Ajay K Sadhotra taking stock of losses due to flash floods in lower Gurah Brahmana Ban Talab MCJ ward No 65 in Jammu North Assembly Constituency.