BJP surrendered Jammu's interest for power: J&K Congress

Jammu, Feb 10: Hitting out at BJP for "surrendering" the interests of Jammu region for their "lust for power", Congress today said coalition partners PDP and BJP should clarify to people who is responsible for Governor's rule in the state.

"The two parties have created political uncertainty and different factions within the parties are speaking on divergent lines. BJP (is) for surrendering the interests of Jammu region for their lust for power," senior Vice President, J-K Congress, Sham Lal Sharma said.

Addressing a public rally in Akhnoor border belt of Jammu district, Sharma said both parties should clarify to people who is responsible for Governor's rule.

"Soon after elections, the parties took pretty long time to decide on government formation and the same is now (being) repeated," he said.

Sharma said the agenda of alliance, which is considered the foundation of BJP-PDP alliance, is "clearly shaken" as it was made for six years. Now suddenly BJP-PDP have started renegotiating on confidence building measures which has brought uncertainty in the state, he said.

"What has changed so much in past 10 months that this alliance couldn't even stand on its so called 'sacred' agenda of alliance," he said.

He also alleged the agenda of alliance was nothing but PDP's election manifesto which was stamped by BJP for the lust of power. "If BJP and PDP have felt that 10 month long rule on the basis of agenda of alliance has failed and people have been deceived, they should go to the people again," the former said.

He also said if they are unable to form government they should make it clear to the Governor so that Assembly is dissolved and fresh elections held. After protracted drama over government formation, the PDP is now seeing the coalition as unpopular, while BJP is crushing it's core agenda to be in government, he said.

He alleged that the "opportunistic partners" have brought the state to such an impasse where public interest has been hit by personal ambitions. "The money which was being promised under PM's package for flood relief and restoration for Jammu people has not been released yet," Sharma said.

He said projects above Rs 3000 crore for Jammu were sent to the Centre for approval, including Chenab project worth Rs 2315 crore, out of which none have been sanctioned under the PM package.

"PM'S Package has proved to be Kashmir-centric and people of Jammu have been let down on all the issues," he added.

He also accused the BJP of compromising its nationalist agenda, following reports of hoisting of Pakistani and ISIS flags by the hardliners during protests in Kashmir.

He said the recent activities of separatist forces were "dangerous" not only for Jammu and Kashmir, but also the rest of India.

He alleged that though BJP talks about Indian nationalism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has compromised everything for lust of power.

PTI