Srinagar, September 1(KNS): Jammu and Kashmir BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma on Tuesday challenged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to resign and seek a fresh mandate if restoration of statehood was the issue on which his government wanted a public verdict.
Sharma was reacting to the National Conference's announcement of a peaceful protest outside BJP offices in Srinagar and Jammu on Wednesday over the Centre's commitments on restoration of statehood and other issues.
The BJP leader alleged that the National Conference was invoking the statehood issue to divert attention from matters concerning governance and employment in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Statehood was not the issue on which the Omar Abdullah government sought the people's mandate in the Assembly elections,” Sharma said.
He claimed that the NC had campaigned on issues including free electricity, employment and ration, rather than seeking votes specifically on the restoration of statehood.
Sharma also accused the ruling party of trying to deflect attention from allegations related to the distribution of government jobs. He alleged that nearly 25,000 posts were being “given and distributed” among NC workers.
The BJP leader said his party would hold its planned protest on Wednesday, with the focus on employment opportunities and what he described as the failure of the government to provide jobs to the youth.
He termed the NC's decision to hold its protest on the same day as the BJP's agitation “unfortunate” and alleged that it was aimed at shifting the public discourse away from employment-related concerns.
“Our protest will go ahead as scheduled. We will raise the issue of jobs not being provided to the youth,” Sharma said.
The National Conference has announced its September 2 programme to press the Union Government for action on commitments made before Parliament and the Supreme Court. Restoration of statehood and constitutional safeguards are among the issues listed by the party.(KNS).