Mohd Irfan
MLA Doda Mehraj Malik has alleged financial mismanagement under the ruling government. Launching a scathing attack on the BJP, he claimed, “When I was DDC Doda, I presented all the expenditures of the year, thereby disclosing the financial details.” He emphasized that public funds should not lapse and reiterated his efforts to highlight the financial mismanagement in Doda district. “I raised the issue of Doda district in the assembly and compelled the bureaucrats to take action. Do you think I am acting irrationally? My persistent efforts have led to significant changes in Doda district, and I know how to hold those in power accountable,” he asserted.
“Public money should not lapse; instead, it should be utilized effectively to prevent future hardships,” he continued. “Ask them to debate the budget instead of only talking about Modi. If they can discuss matters beyond Modi, let them engage in a substantive debate,” he challenged.
Malik questioned the BJP’s commitment to development, referencing promises made in 2010 regarding Doda’s upliftment. “What about the Jal Jeevan Project? They did not discuss it previously, so how can they now claim to prioritize it with the Lieutenant Governor?” he asked. He criticized the BJP for failing to address development issues when they were in coalition with the PDP. “Why didn’t they discuss these matters with the LG when they had the opportunity? Do you think I will let them speak unchallenged now?” he remarked. Malik also took a dig at MLA North, Sham Lal, stating, “He may be a senior leader, but we will continue asking questions that benefit the people. That is the only way to transform Jammu and Kashmir into the prosperous region Modi claims to have supported with a Rs 20,000 crore package.”
Setting the record straight, Malik pointed out the disproportionate increase in IAS officer’s post-abrogation of Article 370. “The administration now has a 70:30 ratio of IAS to JKAS officers, compared to the previous 30:70 ratio. How can these IAS officers, who lack local understanding, drive development in Jammu and Kashmir?” he asked. He questioned whether J&K officers are not competent enough for developmental work and accused the administration of deliberately appointing outsiders to ensure funds lapse. He alleged widespread corruption under the current regime, citing the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) as an example. “Funds have been misappropriated from JKTDC, with money flowing to the Governor’s office and the Vice-Chancellor’s office,” he claimed. He also criticized the extension of the Jammu University Vice-Chancellor’s tenure, questioning why no local candidate was deemed suitable for the position.
Malik further accused the BJP of hypocrisy, claiming they prevent the public from engaging in corruption while indulging in it themselves. “If you don’t correct your ways, you will eventually face the consequences,” he warned. He declared his commitment to speaking out against corruption and accused the BJP of exploiting religious sentiments for political gain. “This assembly is meant for work, not just for talking about Modi and Article 370. Show us the work you have done,” he demanded. On the recent denial of permission for the Deputy Chief Minister to visit Billawar following the killing of three innocent people, Malik expressed concern. “Why was the Deputy CM stopped from visiting Billawar despite being part of an elected government?” he questioned, adding that even the Chief Minister sought clarification from the Home Ministry. Malik condemned the social division allegedly fostered under the BJP’s rule. “In the past, our state was known for harmony where even a lion and a goat could drink water together. Today, due to the venom they have spread, even people of the same community cannot sit together,” he lamented. He criticized the government’s failure to address the plight of daily wagers and accused them of fostering militancy through the Village Defence Committees (VDCs). “Instead of providing employment, the government is giving guns to unemployed youth without training, which is alarming,” he stated. Addressing concerns about illegal mining, Malik alleged that contracts were awarded to outsiders, leading to rampant illegal activities, particularly in the River Tawi region. He also criticized the handling of the Capex budget, revealing that out of Rs 521 crore, Rs 325 crore lapsed. Malik accused the government of imposing inflated electricity bills on consumers while failing to provide consistent electricity. “Despite using only 200 units, people are being charged for 700-800 units,” he claimed. He called on Below Poverty Line (BPL) families to stop paying their electricity bills. He also criticized the recent fashion show held in Gulmarg during the holy month of Ramadan, which allegedly involved people linked to former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Malik demanded an inquiry and strict action against those responsible, condemning the promotion of obscenity and the opening of liquor shops in Kashmir. Blaming the BJP for the rising drug abuse among unemployed youth, Malik asserted that the ruling party’s policies have exacerbated social and economic issues. “While drug use among the wealthy is a luxury, unemployed youth here turn to drugs out of desperation,” he concluded.
