Congress releases 'chargesheet' on 'BJP's betrayal' of people's aspirations

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Charge Sheet 2024, issued by the Congress party, accuses the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of betraying the people of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) during its decade-long rule.
The 10-page document highlights the last five years under the direct governance of an unelected Lieutenant Governor, claiming that the BJP has eroded statehood, promoted corruption, and failed to address the needs of the local population.
The document accuses the BJP of systematically dismantling the democratic rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) while fostering an environment of corruption, economic decline, and social instability.
According to the Congress, the BJP's tenure has been marked by a gross betrayal of the people of J&K. The charge sheet emphasizes that the region has been stripped of its statehood, reducing the 1.4 crore residents to second-class citizens with little to no voice in their governance.
Promises of prosperity, peace, and employment made by the BJP have been replaced with widespread unemployment, soaring prices, and deteriorating public services. The report cites alarming statistics, including a youth unemployment rate of 28.2%, which is more than double the national average, and 65% of government posts remaining vacant since 2019.
The Congress also levels serious accusations of corruption against the BJP-led administration, claiming that contracts for key sectors such as mining, liquor, and construction have been awarded to cronies linked to the Lieutenant Governor's office. This, according to the charge sheet, has led to the exploitation of J&K’s resources, with local contractors and workers sidelined in favor of outsiders, exacerbating the economic hardships faced by residents.
The charge sheet outlines a grim picture of life in J&K under BJP rule. It notes the collapse of the private sector, with the number of factories and jobs declining, while the net value added by local industries has fallen significantly. Moreover, the report highlights the severe electricity shortages and frequent power cuts that have plagued the region, severely disrupting daily life and causing widespread distress.
In addition to economic issues, the Congress points to a surge in social problems under the BJP’s watch. The report details a significant increase in drug abuse, mental health crises, and crimes against women and children, underscoring the government's failure to address these critical issues effectively.
The Jammu and Kashmir Charge Sheet 2024 issued by the Congress concludes with a call for a change in leadership, positioning itself as the only party capable of addressing the deep-rooted issues facing J&K. The Congress promises to restore the region's statehood, bring transparency to governance, and focus on the welfare of the people, offering a stark contrast to what it describes as a decade of BJP misrule and neglect.