JAMMU: Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma launched a scathing attack on the National Conference, accusing the party of repeatedly betraying daily wagers despite making promises in its manifesto.
Addressing the media, Sharma highlighted that the National Conference had promised to regularize daily wagers within its first year in power.
However, he claimed that the recently presented budget by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah failed to include any provisions for the welfare of daily wagers.
“National Conference has consistently deceived daily wagers. When these individuals were engaged, they were paid meager salaries of ₹200, ₹400, ₹600, or ₹800 per month. It was only after the intervention of Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor that these workers received some relief through a Direct Benefit Transfer scheme, ensuring ₹9,000 per month and ₹300 per day,” Sharma stated.
Expressing disappointment over the recent budget, Sharma criticized the absence of any relief measures for daily wagers. He condemned the alleged lathi charge on protesters in Jammu and Srinagar who were demanding justice.
“Our MLAs stood united to demand a debate in the House regarding the plight of daily wagers. Unfortunately, despite an initial assurance from the Speaker, the discussion was later dismissed following the Chief Minister’s direction,” Sharma alleged.
As a mark of protest, Sharma announced that his party had boycotted the House proceedings in solidarity with the daily wagers.
The Leader of Opposition reiterated his party’s commitment to continuing the fight for the rights of daily wagers until their concerns are addressed.
