Challenges BJP to Prove Development Claims
Slams Use of PSA for Detentions
Gujjar Representation Drops Despite Reservations
Jammu, Mar 5 (KNS ): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, during the Budget Session of the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly, launched a strong attack on the BJP, questioning its claims that the removal of Article 370 was essential for development.
He demanded that the BJP name a single project that could not have been executed before 2019. At the same time, he reassured the people that his government would stand by every promise made in its election manifesto over the next five years.
Election Promises Will Be Fulfilled
Addressing the Assembly, Omar Abdullah declared that his government would implement every commitment made to the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
"Over the next five years, we will fulfill every single promise we made in our manifesto, from A to Z. Unlike others, we will stand by our commitments," he said, indirectly targeting the BJP for failing to keep its past promises.
He also reminded the House of the assurances given in previous years regarding the withdrawal of cases against individuals booked during the 2016 protests. "Many were told their cases would be withdrawn, yet those cases still exist. We will ensure justice is done," he said.
BJP Must Prove Development Claims
"You list projects like Ring Road, IITs, AIIMS, and highways, but tell me—which one was impossible before August 2019? Was there any project that could not have been done under Article 370?" he asked.
He pointed out that many of these initiatives were planned or initiated before 2019. "If Article 370 was truly an obstacle, give us just one example of a project that couldn't have happened otherwise. Otherwise, stop misleading people," he asserted.
PSA Being Used as a Political Weapon
Omar Abdullah also took a strong stand against the continued use of the Public Safety Act (PSA), accusing the BJP-led administration of misusing it to detain people indefinitely without trial.
"If you are keeping people in jail for years under PSA alone, it means you have no evidence to prosecute them. If they are what you claim—stone pelters, OGWs—then why don’t you charge them in court? Why preventive detention?" he asked.
Citing his own experience, he added, "You imposed PSA on me because you had nothing else against me. And today, 400 people remain detained under PSA simply because the government has no real case against them."
Gujjar Representation Declines Despite Reservations
Abdullah also refuted BJP’s claim that political reservations had improved representation for marginalized communities, particularly Gujjars.
"Before political reservations, we had nine Gujjar MLAs. Today, we have only six. If your goal was to empower the community, why has their representation gone down instead of increasing?" he questioned. (KNS)