Altaf Bukhari accuses govt of developmental failure, seeks white paper on funds

Srinagar, Jul 10: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday launched a sharp attack on the National Conference-led government, accusing it of failing to deliver on development and alleging that poor infrastructure and pending payments to contractors had brought developmental works to a standstill.
Addressing reporters, Bukhari questioned how the government expected road macadamization to progress when contractors were still awaiting payments for works already executed.
“How will macadamization take place when contractors have not been paid?” he asked, alleging that the government had itself compromised the quality of road construction by allowing inexperienced contractors into the sector.
“There was a time when only those equipped with proper plants and machinery were eligible to undertake road construction. You dismantled that system by accommodating your own workers,” he alleged, adding that it was the government’s responsibility to ensure the quality and durability of macadamized roads.
The Apni Party chief warned the government against, in his words, halting developmental works under the pretext of the demand for restoration of statehood.
“We have warned the government not to stop development in the garb of statehood. You already have powers—why are you not using them?” he said.
Bukhari alleged that the government wanted development funds to lapse so that it could later blame constitutional limitations for its inability to execute projects.
“You want funds to lapse so that you can later tell people you wanted to work but had no powers. That excuse will not work,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of infrastructure, Bukhari said better roads and public facilities were essential not only for tourism but also for healthcare and the overall economy.
“Tourism alone will not fill our stomachs. Look at the condition of roads in both rural and urban areas. There is hardly any development visible on the ground,” he said.
Questioning the government’s repeated reference to financial constraints, Bukhari, said if funds were indeed unavailable, the government should explain why it regularly thanked the Prime Minister for additional financial assistance.
“If there are no funds, then why do you repeatedly thank the Prime Minister every month for allocating additional resources?” he asked.
Bukhari demanded that the government issue a white paper detailing the funds received, utilised and allegedly allowed to lapse.
“My information is that nearly Rs 7,000 crore has lapsed. The government should come clean and place the facts before the people,” he said.
He further alleged that road works were completed overnight only when those in power had personal interests, while ordinary citizens continued to suffer due to deteriorating infrastructure.
“Mr. Omar Sahib, you are the Chief Minister. It is your responsibility to deliver instead of indulging in a blame game,” Bukhari said. [KNT]