Srinagar, Oct 28 (NVI): National Loktantrik Party State General Secretary Firdous Ahmad Butt on Wednesday criticised the Jammu and Kashmir government and the National Conference leadership over the distribution of ministerial portfolios following the recent Cabinet expansion, questioning whether the government was prioritising public welfare or internal party interests.
Butt said people had voted for the National Conference with expectations of employment opportunities, resolution of employees’ issues, improvement in basic amenities, restoration of statehood and addressing Jammu and Kashmir’s political and constitutional concerns.
He questioned Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the number of jobs created since the government assumed office and the concrete steps taken to fill vacant government posts, resolve the issues of daily-wage workers and improve electricity and water supply.
The government should provide clear figures, verifiable information and a definite timeline for fulfilling its election promises, he said.
Questioning the distribution of ministerial portfolios, Butt asked whether public service, administrative capability, regional balance and merit had been given priority or whether party considerations had prevailed.
He said reports of protests by supporters of Mubarak Gul, disappointment expressed by Abdul Majeed Larmi over not being given a ministerial berth and the absence of Nazir Ahmad Gurezi from the oath-taking ceremony had brought internal differences within the party into public discussion.
The National Conference leadership should clarify the situation, he said, adding that an individual leader’s dissatisfaction should not, by itself, be taken as a definitive assessment of their commitment to public service.
Butt said a ministerial position was not a personal entitlement but a responsibility to serve the people and safeguard public interests.
The government’s performance should be assessed on the basis of tangible improvements in employment, education, healthcare, transparent recruitment and delivery of basic public services rather than merely the formation or expansion of the Cabinet, he said.
Raising the issue of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional status, Butt sought clarity from the government on the steps taken towards the restoration of statehood and addressing concerns relating to Articles 35A and 370.
While acknowledging the powers and limitations of the Central Government, he said the elected administration could not absolve itself of responsibility for matters falling within its administrative jurisdiction.
Butt urged the National Conference leadership to publish a comprehensive report detailing progress on its election promises, employment generation, employees’ issues, restoration of statehood and its position on Articles 35A and 370.
The people no longer need repeated assurances but tangible results, he said, adding that the real test of the government lay in fulfilling the trust placed in it by voters.
Power was a public trust and ministerial office a responsibility towards the people, Butt said, asserting that the government’s credibility would ultimately depend on its delivery on election promises rather than the distribution of portfolios.—(NVI)
