CM Omar more concerned about political optics: BJP

Jammu, Aug 19: J&K Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Abhijeet Singh Jasrotia on Tuesday accused the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of “being insensitive and more concerned about political optics than focusing on alleviating human sufferings.”

Jasrotia, accompanied by J&K BJP media in-charge Pardeep Mahotra, made these allegations while addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu.

“At a time when the entire region is mourning the loss of lives and standing in solidarity with the aggrieved families, the government led by the Chief Minister was very casually handling the heart-wrenching tragedy caused by the recent cloudburst in Kishtwar, which claimed more than 60 lives and left many missing,” Jasrotia alleged.

Taking a dig at the “signature campaign” announced by the Chief Minister in his Independence Day address, the BJP spokesperson stated that the Chief Minister seemed to be “completely disconnected vis-à-vis the suffering of the people.”

“Instead of taking enough measures as the Chief Minister to instill confidence among the victims, he was focusing more on carrying forward his political gimmicks through a so-called ‘signature campaign’,” Jasrotia alleged.

He added that this reflected the height of insensitivity and immaturity in governance. “When people are struggling to rebuild their shattered lives, the Chief Minister is more concerned about political optics than human suffering. He has yet to visit Kathua, where people are equally facing the brunt of the disaster,” Jasrotia claimed, targeting political adversaries.

“Except for the disciplined forces led by the Indian Army and J&K Police, along with BJP leaders, no one from the government has been visibly active on the ground. J&K BJP president Sat Sharma, who promptly visited the affected areas, met victims, and conveyed urgent requirements to the administration. Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma has been continuously leading relief operations in Kishtwar since the very first day of the tragedy,” he stated.

In the same breath, he alleged, “While the BJP leaders are on the ground, shoulder to shoulder with the people, the NC-led government remains absent and indifferent. This exposes the sheer lack of accountability in the present regime.”