SRINAGAR: Arun Gupta, spokesperson for the Jammu and Kashmir BJP, has criticised the National Conference (NC)-led coalition government for its alleged regional insensitivity and infighting, holding them responsible for the failure to address the medical emergency in Rajouri that has claimed 17 lives.
Speaking at a press conference at the BJP headquarters in Trikuta Nagar, Gupta accused the NC government of neglecting the crisis in Badhal village, where the first case was reported on December 7, 2024. Despite the alarming situation, he said, the government failed to act decisively, prompting the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to step in and deploy an 11-member team to investigate the situation at the BJP’s request.
“The NC government has displayed a callous approach, prioritising political infighting over the lives of its citizens. Even after 43 days, the death toll has reached 17, with no serious efforts from the administration to control the situation,” Gupta alleged.
He added that the BJP would not tolerate such regional insensitivity. “This negligence is unacceptable, and we will not allow the citizens of Rajouri to remain at the mercy of a government that operates on regional biases. The MHA’s intervention was necessary to bring some semblance of accountability,” he stated.
Gupta further criticised the Chief Minister for failing to visit the affected area. “The Chief Minister has not once overseen the situation personally, leaving the administration rudderless during this crisis. This lack of leadership could allow the medical emergency to spread uncontrollably to neighbouring villages, with catastrophic consequences,” he warned.
Highlighting the coalition government’s internal discord, Gupta accused its partners of focusing on counter-allegations rather than addressing pressing issues. “If the coalition cannot function effectively, it should not be at the expense of the citizens. The administration’s failure is evident, and the government’s indifference is unacceptable,” he added.
Gupta was joined at the press conference by BJP spokesperson Balbir Ram Rattan and Media Secretary Dr Pardeep Mahotra.
The BJP has called for immediate and robust action to contain the crisis and urged the NC government to set aside political distractions to prioritise the welfare of the region’s citizens.
