LoP Sunil Sharma slams NC over lease bill, alleges favour to elite

Srinagar, Apr 01: Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma on Wednesday criticised the National Conference (NC) government over the introduction of a private member’s bill on land lease renewal, alleging that the move favours “elite interests” at the cost of the common people.

Referring to the bill seeking amendments to land grant provisions, Sharma said the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah allowed its introduction without opposition, raising concerns about its intent.

“The mandate given by the people appears to be used not for public good but to protect a privileged few,” Sharma said.

He alleged that the proposed legislation could pave the way for re-leasing large tracts of government land at low rates, continuing what he termed a long-standing pattern.

“What message does this send to the common citizen?” he asked.

The BJP leader said instead of safeguarding public assets and addressing concerns of the marginalised, the government seemed to be “patronising a select group of influential people”.

Terming the development as “deeply unfortunate”, Sharma said the move amounted to a “betrayal of trust” of those who voted for the ruling party.

The private member’s bill, introduced earlier in the Assembly, seeks renewal of leases for existing occupants and is seen as a move to counter the Jammu and Kashmir Land Grants Rules, 2022, which mandate auction of certain expired leases at market rates. (KNS)