Srinagar, Oct 22, : Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma on Thursday accused the National Conference-led government of delaying Panchayat and municipal elections in Jammu and Kashmir out of fear of defeat, describing the polls as a litmus test for Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s government.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a BJP programme, Sharma alleged that the National Conference was reluctant to allow alternative political representation to emerge in the Union Territory.
“The Abdullah family’s ego, arrogance and unwillingness to conduct Panchayati Raj elections are responsible for the delay. They do not want anyone else to represent the people because they know the National Conference will face a crushing defeat,” Sharma said.
He also accused the government of failing to fulfil its promises regarding electricity, LPG cylinders, employment and ration supplies, saying the local body elections would provide people an opportunity to assess the government’s performance.
Sharma further claimed that terrorism had declined significantly over the past five years and that no local youth had joined terrorist organisations in the past two years.
His remarks come amid continued political debate over the holding of Panchayat and municipal elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
