New Delhi: The Congress party has issued a comprehensive chargesheet against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, accusing it of enacting policies that suppress local governance and centralize control in the Indian-administered region of Jammu and Kashmir. The charges detail systemic suppression and anti-Kashmir measures under the current administration.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh used the social media platform X to publicize the chargesheet, which criticizes the role of an unelected Lieutenant Governor (LG) appointed directly by the central government in New Delhi. The chargesheet claims this position undermines local democratic processes and perpetuates central oversight without adequate local representation.
“The voice of the people in Jammu and Kashmir is being suppressed,” the chargesheet states. “An unelected Lt Governor, appointed from Delhi, holds all significant authority, and despite repeated promises, the restoration of statehood has been denied, leaving the people of J and K feeling like second-class citizens.”
The document also highlights the preferential treatment allegedly given to non-local entities in terms of access to land, resources, and employment opportunities. It underscores the impact of these policies on the local population, including high unemployment rates, with 65 percent of government jobs reportedly remaining unfilled since 2019. Additionally, the chargesheet addresses issues such as rising prices, high taxes, water shortages, unreliable electricity, and excessive billing.
Furthermore, the Congress accuses the Indian government of fostering corruption by awarding lucrative contracts in sectors like mining, liquor, and construction to close associates, while penalizing those who expose corruption.
The release of the chargesheet coincides with the upcoming Assembly elections in the region, set to be conducted in three phases starting from September 18, with the final vote count scheduled for October 8.