Bharatsinh Solanki, Congress’ in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir affairs, accused the BJP of trying to run a proxy government in the region through the Lieutenant Governor to exploit its resources. Speaking at a press conference at the Congress party headquarters, Solanki criticized the BJP’s efforts to delay elections and maintain control despite being in power at the center for the past decade.
Solanki likened the BJP’s strategy to the colonial exploitation of India, asserting that the party aims to exploit Jammu and Kashmir’s natural and human resources in a similar fashion. He argued that the BJP’s approach includes ensuring that any future elected government in Jammu and Kashmir would possess only limited powers, akin to those of a local municipality.
“The BJP claims to combat terrorism, but it has actually increased in both Jammu and Kashmir. They have also failed in key areas like health and employment,” Solanki said. He highlighted that the Supreme Court has mandated the holding of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite this, Solanki alleged that the BJP is keen to continue governance through the Lieutenant Governor, thereby consolidating their control.
Solanki assured that the Congress party is prepared for elections, having conducted thorough discussions within their political affairs committee. He emphasized that the Congress is actively working on preparations, in contrast to the BJP’s apparent desire to retain power and maintain governance through the Lieutenant Governor.
The Congress leader criticized the BJP for removing statehood and granting full powers to the LG, thereby rendering Jammu and Kashmir less autonomous than even Puducherry. He pointed out that key areas such as finance, defense, and administrative transfers are controlled by the central government, weakening the region’s governance.
Solanki stressed the importance of having elected representatives through MLAs and criticized the BJP for failing to fulfill its promises since 2019. He noted that the Congress party is engaging with the public to address local issues, including those related to mining and electricity. Despite Jammu and Kashmir being a major producer of electricity, Solanki highlighted the irony of high electricity costs faced by its residents.
