Srinagar, Jun 24: BJP National General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh said Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed major infrastructure and development projects under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government and accused the ruling National Conference (NC) of failing to fulfil promises made to the people.
In an interview with KNS, Chugh said projects such as AIIMS institutions, IIT, IIM, the Zojila Tunnel, the railway network and the Chenab Rail Bridge were examples of the Centre’s development push in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the Modi government had increased connectivity and tourism and was working to strengthen the region’s economy.
Referring to the impact of the Pahalgam attack on tourism, Chugh said there was a temporary decline in tourist arrivals but the sector was recovering. He said Jammu and Kashmir continued to attract visitors from across the country.
Targeting the Omar Abdullah-led government, Chugh alleged that the NC had failed to fulfil election promises related to employment, financial assistance, public services and welfare measures. He questioned the government’s performance in areas such as healthcare, roads, drinking water and other basic facilities, saying people were seeking accountability from the administration.
He rejected allegations that the BJP and NC were politically close, saying the Centre supports all elected governments irrespective of political affiliation and extends assistance for development projects across states and Union Territories.
On the NC’s campaign for restoration of statehood, Chugh said the ruling party should first provide an account of its governance and explain what it had achieved since assuming office. He said the government should focus on delivering on its commitments rather than raising other issues.
The BJP leader said no development project had been stopped by the Centre and maintained that the Union government had provided all necessary support for infrastructure and welfare initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir.
Responding to questions on opposition parties, including Congress and the recently formed Jammu and Kashmir Nationalist People’s Front, Chugh said every political party was accountable to the people and would ultimately be judged on its performance.
Chugh, who was recently elected to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh, said BJP leaders and parliamentarians would continue to raise issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir in Parliament. He said the party’s objective was to work for the development and progress of the region and ensure that the benefits of government schemes reached the people.(KNS).
