Congress Releases Jammu And Kashmir Charge Sheet Ahead Of Elections
In the lead-up to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections scheduled for September 18, the Congress party has released a detailed charge sheet against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Congress document highlights various grievances of the region’s people and aims to hold the BJP accountable for its governance over the past decade. At the centre of Congress’ accusations is the claim that the voice of Jammu and Kashmir’s citizens has been systematically suppressed, with statehood denied and governance handed to an unelected Lieutenant Governor (LG) appointed from Delhi.
The Congress’ charge sheet accuses the BJP of reducing the people of Jammu and Kashmir to second-class citizens. The LG, currently Manoj Sinha, is criticised as an outsider who has redirected resources to non-residents, depriving the local population of land, jobs, and essential services. This concentration of power in the hands of an unelected official, the Congress claims, has left the region without a legitimate democratic voice and undermined its prosperity.
Key concerns raised include the alarming unemployment rate in Jammu and Kashmir, which is reportedly the second-highest in the country, double the national average. The youth are particularly affected, with the unemployment rate for women aged 15-29 sitting at a staggering 48.6%, the highest in the nation. The Congress also points to 65% of government posts remaining vacant since 2019, exacerbating the employment crisis and leading to widespread dissatisfaction among the population.
The document highlights the crumbling private sector, which the Congress claims has been devastated under BJP rule. Both job creation and industrial growth have stagnated since 2019, further worsening economic conditions in the region. Locals are facing rising prices, inadequate water supplies, power shortages, and excessive billing through smart meters, worsening the quality of life for residents.
Corruption is another major issue raised by Congress, who accuse the BJP of encouraging it from the highest levels, starting with the LG’s office. The party alleges that contracts for mining, liquor, and construction projects have been awarded to cronies, while those who attempt to expose such malpractices face ruthless prosecution. One notable incident involves alleged irregularities in the recruitment process for various government jobs, with several hiring procedures, such as those for police sub-inspectors and junior engineers, being cancelled due to allegations of bribery and corruption. This shattered the hopes of nearly 98,000 young candidates who had appeared for exams in pursuit of these positions.
In addition to the economic and governance failures, the Congress highlights the deteriorating social fabric of Jammu and Kashmir under BJP rule. Rising drug addiction and the spread of terrorism into the Jammu region are cited as further evidence of the government’s failure to deliver on its promises of peace and security. The abolition of the biannual Durbar Move—a long-standing tradition where the government offices would shift between Srinagar and Jammu—has, according to Congress, dealt a severe blow to Jammu, depriving it of the economic boost this event traditionally provided.
