Opposition Unites Against J&K Budget, Calls It “Bureaucrat-Driven, NC-Centric and Anti-People”

Jammu: Opposition leaders across parties on Friday launched a sharp, joint attack on the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Budget, accusing the government of lacking political direction, ignoring core public concerns and failing to deliver on last year’s promises.

People’s Conference chief and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone termed the Budget a continuation of the previous year’s approach, alleging it was drafted by bureaucrats with little political input. “It is as good or as bad as it was last time. This is a budget by bureaucrats, not politicians,” Lone said, questioning repeated acknowledgements to the Centre without outlining an independent policy framework.

He also criticised the scaling down of the promise of free LPG cylinders, now limited to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries, calling it a clear climbdown.

Leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma described the Budget as “National Conference-centric” and “anti-people,” alleging that central funds were diverted to constituencies held by the National Conference.

He said the document offers nothing substantial for daily wagers, unemployed youth, BPL and EWS families, and lacks a time-bound policy for regularisation of daily wagers.

Sharma also criticised the outsourcing of nearly 24,000 jobs, alleging it undermines merit-based recruitment, and claimed earlier promises of free electricity and LPG cylinders remain unfulfilled.

PDP leader and Pulwama MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra called the Budget a “hopeless and vague document,” saying it fails to provide healing or hope, particularly to the youth who form a majority of the population.

He said expectations around unemployment, farmers’ issues, horticulture and daily wagers’ concerns have been ignored, while several announcements from the previous Budget remain unimplemented.

Parra also alleged that large-scale outsourcing and unfilled vacancies have sidelined local youth, even as outside labour continues to be engaged.