Mula Ram criticizes BJP for turning J&K into a ‘Test Laboratory’

JAMMU, Sep 23: Senior Congress leader Mula Ram launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during a series of rallies held in Marh block, where he addressed large gatherings at Ghou Manhasan, Gajansoo, Sardar Basti, Jaswan, Paryal, Rajpura, Durgo Chak, Parwah, Burj, Dhateryal, and Bachyal. The former minister and prominent Congress figure criticized the BJP-led government for using Jammu and Kashmir as a “test laboratory” for its policies, which, according to him, have led to increasing public dissatisfaction.Mula Ram did not hold back in his critique of the BJP’s governance in Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on the imposition of controversial policies such as the installation of smart meters and the establishment of toll plazas. He argued that these measures have added to the financial burden on common citizens who are already struggling with unemployment and inflation. “The BJP has turned Jammu and Kashmir into a test laboratory for its failed policies,” he remarked. “The imposition of smart meters, increasing toll plazas, and rising prices are all examples of how the region is being experimented upon, with little regard for the impact on the people.”He also raised concerns about the growing problem of drug addiction in the region, criticizing the government’s failure to tackle this escalating crisis. Mula Ram emphasized that instead of addressing these pressing issues, the government is busy pushing policies that have little relevance to the local population.Highlighting the pending demands for the regularization of various essential workers, Mula Ram pointed out that despite their crucial roles, Public Distribution Department (PDD) workers, ASHA workers, and Anganwadi workers are still awaiting regularization. “These workers are the backbone of our community services, yet they continue to be exploited with no security or regular pay,” he noted.He further stated that the BJP’s claims of development and prosperity ring hollow when these basic issues remain unresolved. “If the BJP has truly done so much for Jammu and Kashmir, then why are they still begging for votes and attempting to buy voters?” he asked, raising questions about the BJP’s electoral tactics and its use of government machinery for personal political gains.Mula Ram took particular issue with the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that the region had never before been reduced to the status of a Union Territory. “This is the first time in history that a state has been downgraded to a Union Territory. Instead of empowering the people, the BJP has stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its autonomy and dignity,” he said, expressing deep concern over the loss of statehood.Mula Ram was accompanied by several senior Congress leaders and local representatives who echoed his concerns. Madan Lal Bhagat, former Block Development Council (BDC) Chairperson of Phallian Mandal, also criticized the BJP for its failures in governance. He pointed out that public anger is rising, especially regarding unemployment and economic hardship.Th. Hari Singh Chib, Charan Dass, Jeet Choudhary, Janak Sharma, and Parmod Sharma were among the other leaders who spoke at the rallies. They highlighted various local issues, including the deteriorating condition of rural roads, lack of basic infrastructure, and inadequate healthcare facilities in the region. Baba Ashok Shivgotra, Dr. Gopal Sarpanch, Gullu Fouji, Shamsher Choudhary, Janak Singh, Sat Pal Saini, Dr. Virender Lakhotra, Balkar Singh, Rattan Sharma, and Bittu Rampal, who also participated in the rallies, called for a united front to challenge the BJP’s policies in the upcoming elections. They urged the public to demand accountability from their leaders and not to be swayed by empty promises.Mula Ram concluded by stressing the need for a change in governance in Jammu and Kashmir, calling for the restoration of statehood and the implementation of policies that reflect the true needs of the people. He urged voters to remember the unfulfilled promises of the BJP when they head to the polls. “The time has come for Jammu and Kashmir to reclaim its voice and dignity,” he said.The rallies in Marh block served as a platform for Mula Ram and other Congress leaders to galvanize support against the BJP, presenting a united front in opposition to what they described as a series of misguided and damaging policies. With elections on the horizon, the Congress appears poised to leverage public dissatisfaction with the BJP’s rule, particularly in rural areas where issues of unemployment, poor infrastructure, and economic hardship are most keenly felt.