Muhammad Suhail
Jammu, Jan 18 (KNS): Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma on Sunday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while reaffirming his commitment to restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and outlining development plans for the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters, Sharma as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said, “There can never be two power centres. When Article 370 was abrogated and our statehood removed, they celebrated. When we regain it, they will celebrate again.”
He accused the central government of failing to convince people amid high fuel prices and toll rates.
The Minister criticised the empowerment of certain officials during the BJP’s tenure, saying it could undermine governance, and praised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s leadership.
He outlined plans across sports, tourism, education, transport, IT, and science and technology as part of the government’s agenda.
Sharma said he would continue working for the people. He recalled his initial disillusionment before becoming a minister and credited his supporters for his return to politics.
He dismissed recent BJP claims on Jammu statehood as a “joke,” saying even Dr. Karan Singh had termed them as such. “I have consistently raised my voice for statehood. BJP legislators do not speak before the Lieutenant Governor,” he alleged.
Sharma highlighted proposals from Delhi approved under Omar Abdullah’s leadership, including employing one lakh youth in the private sector and establishing two IT Parks with a Rs 500-crore investment, expected to generate 5,000 jobs.
He also mentioned two Engineering, Procurement, and Construction terminals inaugurated recently and a Rs 900-crore water body project.
“We are launching steamer and cruise services on 65 km of the Jhelum and at Ranjit Sagar, Mansar, Surinsar, Reasi, and Akhnoor, which will promote tourism and create jobs,” he said.(KNS)
