Jammu, October 11:
BJP J&K Media Incharge, Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, advised National Conference (NC) leaders to channel their efforts towards the development and welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir rather than indulging in personal attacks on the Leader of Opposition (LoP), Sunil Sharma. He said that such behaviour only alienates the public that once supported them and now feels betrayed.
Reacting sharply to NC’s Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra’s remark describing LoP Sunil Sharma as “Raj Bhawan’s spokesperson,” Dr. Mahotra said the statement reflects NC’s growing frustration and political bankruptcy.
“Raj Bhawan is an independent constitutional institution with its own information department and officials. The LoP does not represent Raj Bhawan in any capacity,” Dr. Mahotra clarified. He said it is a normal democratic practice for political leaders — including those from NC — to meet the Lieutenant Governor to raise public concerns. “Sunil Sharma, as an elected MLA and constitutional office-bearer, is fully entitled to approach the LG or higher authorities for public welfare. Labeling him as Raj Bhawan’s spokesperson is both absurd and desperate,” he added.
Dr. Mahotra accused NC leaders of trying to divert public attention from their government’s “complete failure” to deliver on promises made over the past year. “Issuing false and diversionary statements will not cover up their non-performance. The people of J&K are aware and will not be misled by hollow rhetoric anymore,” he remarked.
He said the NC leadership should instead show humility and apologise for failing to fulfil their election promises. “It would have been far better had they introspected and learned from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose bold and historic decisions — including the abrogation of Article 370 — have ensured J&K’s full constitutional integration with the rest of India, transformed it from a terrorism hub to a tourism destination, and opened new avenues for socio-economic growth,” Dr. Mahotra said.
Taking a dig at NC leaders for their silence on Jammu’s core issues, Dr. Mahotra said that issuing politically motivated statements merely to stay relevant will not help them regain public trust. “The sooner NC realises this truth, the better it will be for their dwindling credibility and reputation,” he concluded.
