Budget repetition of decades-old lies: Sunil Sharma

Jammu, Jan 10: Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Kumar Sharma on Tuesday slammed the National Conference-led government, saying it was evading its responsibility by questioning the Union Government whenever confronted about its own performance.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Sharma, said that whenever the opposition seeks accountability from the treasury benches, they start asking questions about the Union Government.
“In a democratic set-up, there is a ruling party and an opposition. The government is accountable, and it is the responsibility of the opposition to raise genuine demands of the people and seek answers from the government. It is a tragedy for the House when the opposition questions the government, and the government, instead of responding, starts questioning the Union Government to evade its responsibility,” he said.
“Why have you come here? Were you elected by the people of J&K to tell the Assembly that Delhi doesn’t allow you to work? Have you come only for salaries and to enjoy in the House?” Sharma asked.
He termed the budget a repetition of decades-old lies to the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
“There is nothing solid or truthful in the budget. The government has dashed the hopes and expectations of the people of J&K,” Sharma said.
Sharma added that 80 percent of the budget is focused on central schemes. “There is nothing wrong in it. It is good to appreciate things,” he said, adding that Rs 58000 crore is a grant from the central government in the budget.
He, however, said central schemes have been reflected as capital expenditure in the budget.
“Where will we generate capital expenditure? There is no concrete plan or vision about it. This is the most visionless government,” he said.
He also slammed the government for slashing allocations to different departments.
“During the last year, our rural areas were affected by floods, and we expected that the government would be concerned and would increase the allocation for rural areas, but instead it decreased the budget,” he said.
Sharma also came down heavily on the government over its promises of free electricity and 12 gas cylinders.
He said there is no scheme for unemployed youth in the budget.
“You have shown dreams to the youth. What have you kept for them in the budget?” he asked. (KNO)