Sadhotra Defends Jammu Kashmir CM’s Leadership, Slams Congress for ‘Myopic Criticism’

JAMMU: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra termed the Congress party’s criticism of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s handling of the recent natural calamity in Jammu and Kashmir as “unfortunate” and “myopic,” asserting that no amount of misplaced rhetoric could undermine the government’s proactive governance.

Reacting sharply to the remarks of AICC General Secretary in-charge Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Syed Naseer Hussain, Sadhotra said the recent torrential rains, cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides that led to prolonged closure of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway once again highlighted Omar Abdullah’s commitment and crisis management skills.

“At a time when people were staring at despair, Omar Sahib remained at the helm, monitoring the ground situation, galvanising the administration and coordinating at all levels to ensure that essential supplies, medical aid and relief measures reached the affected population without delay,” Sadhotra said.

He added that the Chief Minister’s month-long outreach to rain-hit communities instilled confidence and rekindled hope among the sufferers. Citing concrete steps, he noted that Abdullah’s intervention facilitated freight trains into the Valley to maintain fruit and essential supplies, while his meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari secured deployment of a central team to oversee highway restoration. “This is the hallmark of responsible and accountable leadership,” Sadhotra said.

Taking on Congress, the National Conference leader said Hussain’s statement overlooked the tangible measures taken on the ground. “To suggest that elected representatives have abdicated responsibilities is misplaced and unfair. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are witness to how the National Conference-led government has consistently stood by them in testing times,” he stressed.

Sadhotra further argued that any fair evaluation of governance in the Union Territory must also account for constraints created by the BJP-led dispensation at the Centre. “By denying restoration of statehood, eroding democratic institutions and deliberately disempowering elected representatives, the BJP has created an environment where the voice of the people gets overshadowed. Yet, even in these circumstances, the National Conference government has not shied away from its duty,” he said.

Reiterating his party’s stand, Sadhotra said the NC continues to fight for restoration of statehood, protection of land and job rights, and safeguarding democratic institutions. “The Omar-led government is transparent, accountable and people-centric. Congress should not see through a myopic prism but look at the situation holistically,” he said.

He underlined that while constructive criticism is always welcome, misrepresentation of facts cannot be allowed to go unchallenged. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir know who stood with them in their darkest hours. National Conference has never betrayed their trust and never will,” Sadhotra said, adding that the larger goal remains restoration of democracy, rights and dignity to the people of the region.