DH NEWS SERVICE
jammu, May 3
Bharatiya Janata Party in Jammu and Kashmir convened a meeting of its MLAs at the party headquarters in Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, to deliberate on key issues concerning governance, public welfare, and the growing challenge of drug abuse in the Union Territory. The meeting was chaired by J&K BJP President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma and was also addressed by Leader of Opposition in the J&K Assembly Sunil Sharma. Senior party leaders, including General Secretaries Sanjita Dogra and Baldev Singh Billawaria, were present.
Addressing the gathering, Sat Sharma reiterated the party’s commitment to safeguarding the youth of Jammu and Kashmir from the growing menace of drugs. He emphasized that the issue requires a collective and sustained effort at every level of society. He said that BJP legislators will actively support ongoing de-addiction campaigns and awareness initiatives across the region, ensuring that the message reaches even the remotest areas. He appreciated the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah for spearheading a determined campaign against narcotics and lauded the efforts of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the administration in curbing drug networks and promoting awareness.
Sat Sharma further stated that each BJP MLA will work at the grassroots level to strengthen awareness drives, facilitate rehabilitation efforts, and support strict enforcement measures aimed at tackling drug addiction. He described drug abuse as not merely a social issue but a serious threat to the future of the region, stressing that coordinated action is necessary to protect the younger generation from falling prey to substance abuse.
The BJP President also highlighted developmental initiatives undertaken by the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He expressed gratitude for what he described as unprecedented development in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly mentioning the expansion of connectivity through infrastructure projects.
He referred to the railway extension connecting Jammu to Kashmir as a landmark achievement and also highlighted the impact of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana in improving road connectivity in remote areas.
According to him, these initiatives have significantly enhanced accessibility and created new economic opportunities for the people.
Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, in his address, strongly criticized the National Conference government, accusing it of pursuing policies that he termed anti-people and misleading. He alleged that the administration is attempting to make thousands of backdoor appointments through outsourcing agencies, which he described as a betrayal of the educated unemployed youth of the region. He asserted that BJP MLAs will raise the issue both inside and outside the Assembly and will continue to demand transparency and merit-based recruitment.
Sunil Sharma also condemned the recent increase in transport fares, calling it a move that disproportionately affects the poor and middle-class sections of society. He argued that the hike would place an additional financial burden on daily commuters, students, traders, and employees who are already grappling with rising costs of living. He maintained that such decisions reflect insensitivity towards the hardships faced by the common people.
He further stated that the National Conference had made several promises during the election campaign but has failed to fulfill them after coming to power.
Instead, he claimed, the government has imposed additional financial pressures on the public through increased tariffs and fare hikes.
He accused the administration of betraying the trust of the people and said that the BJP will continue to act as a strong voice of the public, raising issues related to public welfare and accountability at every platform.
The meeting concluded with party leaders reaffirming their commitment to public service, youth welfare, and development, while also resolving to intensify their outreach efforts to address key issues affecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
