Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party Jammu Provincial President Manjit Singh on Wednesday came down heavily on the ruling National Conference (NC) and opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the two parties were engaged in a “fixed match” inside the Legislative Assembly and were deliberately allowing precious legislative time to be consumed in political sparring instead of taking up issues directly affecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Singh was addressing public meeting in Vijaypur accompanied by Raman Thapa District President Samba, Adv Sahil Bharti spokesperson.
Manjit Singh said the Assembly was constituted to provide a democratic platform for raising the grievances of the people, holding the government accountable and finding solutions to issues confronting different sections of society. He alleged that repeated confrontations over politically sensitive and symbolic matters were overshadowing the urgent concerns that should be receiving priority during the ongoing session.
His remarks came amid noisy scenes in the Assembly over the issue of official holidays associated with Maharaja Hari Singh and National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. The reported exchanges between NC and BJP members led to slogans, interruptions and a BJP walkout, while the Speaker repeatedly urged members to maintain order and allow the House to function.
“People have elected legislators to represent their problems, not to turn the Assembly into a stage for political point-scoring. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are watching these proceedings and want to know when their real problems will be discussed,” Manjit Singh said.He questioned whether the prolonged political exchanges inside the House would provide relief to an unemployed youth, a daily-wage worker awaiting regularisation, an NHM employee seeking job security, a household struggling with increased electricity bills or a family waiting for better roads, healthcare and basic civic amenities.
Manjit said the ongoing Assembly session provides an important opportunity to undertake serious and result-oriented deliberations on the problems of the Union Territory. He maintained that the government and opposition have different political roles, but both have a common responsibility towards the public and should use the legislature constructively.
Referring to the concerns being raised by people across Jammu and Kashmir, Manjit Singh said unemployment and lack of adequate employment opportunities remain among the foremost challenges before the youth. He called for focused discussion on creation of sustainable employment, transparent recruitment, opportunities for skilled youth and strengthening of the private and industrial sectors.
He also drew attention to the concerns of daily-wage and temporary workers, including the long-pending demand for a viable regularisation policy and greater employment security. The issue of daily wagers has already figured prominently in the ongoing Assembly session, along with demands concerning NHM workers.
On electricity, Manjit Singh said the recent tariff increase had added to the financial burden on ordinary households, traders, farmers and small businesses. He urged the authorities to examine the affordability of power for consumers and ensure that the people are not made to bear the burden of systemic inefficiencies.
He further highlighted the concerns of NHM and other contractual workers, saying employees who have continued to serve the public health system for years deserve a clear policy regarding their future, social security and employment protection. He said healthcare workers should not have to repeatedly take to the streets to make their basic service-related concerns heard.
The Apni Party leader also referred to deficiencies in road connectivity, drainage, drinking water, healthcare facilities, sanitation, education infrastructure and other basic amenities, saying these issues require continuous monitoring rather than being discussed only when political parties need an issue for public mobilisation.
He said people in both urban and rural areas continue to face difficulties because of inadequate infrastructure and delayed execution of development works, while border, remote and hilly areas require particular attention because of their difficult terrain and limited access to essential services.
Manjit Singh said the credibility of the democratic institution would be strengthened only when legislators use every available opportunity to question policies, demand answers from the government and suggest practical solutions.He urged both the treasury and opposition benches to rise above political confrontation and devote the remaining session to substantive debates on employment, power, healthcare, education, roads, drinking water, workers’ welfare, tourism, agriculture, industrial development and rehabilitation of affected families.
“The people do not need political theatrics. They need answers, accountability and relief. Every minute of the Assembly belongs to the people who elected its members. It should therefore be used to discuss their problems and compel the government to deliver,” Manjit Singh said.
He added that constructive opposition is essential in a democracy, but opposition politics should translate into meaningful scrutiny and policy intervention, while the government must respond to genuine public concerns with seriousness and accountability.Manjit Singh appealed to all legislators to ensure that the remaining proceedings of the Assembly are devoted to issues that have a direct bearing on the daily lives and future prospects of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
