Diplomat Correspondent
JAMMU,DD: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former Minister, Mr. Ajay
Kumar Sadhotra, today lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for abandoning the people of
Jammu region in the face of repeated natural calamities, saying BJP only surfaces during elections.
Interacting with people during his extensive tour of the flood-hit areas of Gurha Brahmna Ban Talab,
Ganga Nagar, Machine Domana and Domana in Jammu North Assembly Constituency, Mr. Sadhotra
expressed solidarity with the sufferers and said that the least the BJP could do now is to show some
sympathy by seeking a liberal financial package from the Union Government during the ongoing visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This is the bare minimum the BJP owes to the people of Jammu who gave them a massive mandate in 2024, but were repaid with neglect, indifference and betrayal, he said.
Mr. Sadhotra took the BJP leadership to task for its criminal silence during devastating landslides, flash
floods and cloudbursts that left scores of families uprooted. Where was the BJP which won on the
slogan of protecting Jammu’s interests? He said at this time instead of standing with the people in this
hour of sufferings and distress, they should have knocked at Delhi’s doors to secure relief for the
victims.
Accusing the BJP of mastering the art of rhetoric without results, the NC Additional General Secretary
said, after every tragedy, they issue hollow press statements from their comfortable drawing rooms, but
when it comes to fighting for funds, compensation and rehabilitation of the people, their lips are sealed.
Jammu does not need photo-ops, it needs action, and the BJP has miserably failed on this front, he
added.
Mr. Sadhotra demanded immediate assessment of damages and adequate compensation for the
affected families, including those who lost their homes, belongings, beddings, clothes, eatables, food
grains, standing crops, livestock and means of livelihood. He urged that long-term preventive measures
be put in place to safeguard lives and property against recurring natural calamities, saying this will need
a liberal package by the Centre.
Lauding Chief Minister Jenab Omar Abdullah for standing firmly with the people, saying his government
is working tirelessly to mitigate their suffering.
Reiterating the National Conference’s commitment to stand by the people in every hour of crisis, Mr.
Sadhotra said, “Unlike the BJP, the National Conference does not vanish after elections. We will
continue to be on the ground, shoulder to shoulder with the victims, until they get justice and fair
rehabilitation.”“The BJP’s arrogance, non-performance and insensitivity are now exposed before the people. Either
they use Amit Shah’s visit to secure substantial financial relief for flood-hit Jammu, or else be ready to
face the wrath of betrayed voters,” Mr. Sadhotra cautioned.
Others who accompanied Mr Sadhotra are Raghubir Singh Manhas District President, Ch Bagh Ali Zonal
Secretary, Ranjeet Singh Vice President, Faquir Chand Ex-Sarpanch, Dr Tony, Rakesh Kumar Sharma YNC
President, Randhir Singh, Sandeep Singh Manhas, Veer Ji Bhat, Ch Subash Chander, Bhupinder Singh,
Ajeet Singh, Rishi Kumar.DD
