Avinash Azad
In a scathing critique just ahead of the assembly elections, the Congress Party has released a comprehensive 10-page document titled the “Jammu & Kashmir Charge Sheet,” sharply criticizing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its governance of the poll-bound Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The document accuses the BJP of gross mismanagement, rampant corruption, and a systematic dismantling of the region’s socio-economic fabric during its decade-long rule, particularly under the unelected UT administration.
Statehood Denied, Democracy Eroded
The charge sheet opens with a sharp critique of the BJP’s delay to restore statehood to J&K, labeling it an assault on democracy. The appointment of an LG from Delhi, wielding absolute power, has effectively rendered the 1.4 crore residents of J&K as “second-class citizens,” the report claims. Promises of statehood restoration have been repeatedly broken, undermining the region’s autonomy and the voice of its people.
Unemployment Crisis and Economic Decay
Unemployment is a major theme in the Congress’s attack. The charge sheet highlights that J&K has the second-highest unemployment rate in the country, with youth unemployment at a staggering 28.2% and female youth unemployment reaching 48.6%, the highest in India. Furthermore, 65% of government posts have reportedly remained vacant since 2019, exacerbating the job crisis. The document also underscores the collapse of the private sector, which has been “devastated” under BJP rule, leading to a decline in both employment opportunities and industrial output.
Rampant Corruption Allegations
The Congress report levels serious accusations of corruption, implicating the highest levels of the BJP’s administration in J&K. It alleges that the UT administration has been at the center of a network of cronyism, with lucrative contracts in mining, liquor, and construction being awarded to close associates. Whistleblowers, such as former Governor Satya Pal Malik and IAS officer Ashok Kumar Parmar, who have exposed massive scams, have allegedly been targeted instead of the corrupt officials.
Land, Resources, and Jobs Outsourced to ‘Outsiders’
One of the most incendiary charges is the claim that the BJP government has been reallocating land, resources, and jobs to non-residents, marginalising the local population. This has led to widespread discontent, with local contractors and small businesses being pushed out of lucrative sectors like mining and retail. The report suggests that nearly 12,000 domicile certificates have been issued to outsiders, effectively reducing opportunities for local youth.
Infrastructure Failures and Social Decay
The charge sheet does not spare the BJP’s record on infrastructure either. It highlights severe electricity shortages, with J&K experiencing its worst power crisis in decades. Power cuts lasting up to 16 hours a day have crippled the region, while the introduction of smart meters has led to excessive billing without any improvement in service reliability.
The Congress also criticises the BJP for its neglect of education and health services. The closure of nearly 4,400 government schools and a significant decline in teacher numbers have disproportionately affected the poor. Meanwhile, health infrastructure remains woefully inadequate, with J&K having one of the lowest ratios of hospital beds and staff nurses in the country.
Rise in Drug Abuse and Mental Health Crisis
The report paints a grim picture of social decay under BJP rule, citing a dramatic rise in drug abuse, particularly among the youth. An estimated 13.5 lakh drug users are in J&K, with a shocking number of them being minors. The mental health crisis is equally dire, with high levels of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder prevalent among the population, exacerbated by years of political instability and economic hardship.
A Call for Change
In its closing remarks, the Congress Party’s charge sheet warns that the situation in J&K under BJP rule is unsustainable and calls for a return to democratic governance. The Congress positions itself as the only viable alternative to counter the “grave manipulation” that it alleges is benefiting a select few at the expense of the region’s future. This charge sheet sets the stage for what promises to be a contentious election battle, with the Congress aiming to leverage the widespread discontent in J&K to challenge the BJP’s grip on power.
