Srinagar, Oct 22: Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma on Thursday alleged that the National Conference-led government was delaying Panchayat and municipal elections due to concerns over its electoral prospects, claiming that the polls would test the performance of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s government.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a BJP programme, Sharma accused the ruling party of being reluctant to allow alternative political representation to emerge in Jammu and Kashmir.
He alleged that the government’s approach towards holding Panchayati Raj elections reflected its unwillingness to face public scrutiny through the electoral process.
Sharma also criticised the government over what he described as unfulfilled promises related to electricity supply, LPG cylinders, employment and ration distribution.
He said local body elections would provide people an opportunity to assess the government’s performance.
On the security front, the Leader of Opposition claimed that terrorism had declined significantly over the past five years and asserted that no local youth had joined terrorist organisations during the last two years. (KINS)
