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Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led central government, accusing it of treating the people of the Union Territory as \u201csecond-class citizens\u201d by denying them statehood.
He also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that he was silently taking directives from US President Donald Trump \u2014 something, he said, had never happened in the country since independence.
Addressing a party rally at Ghou Manhasan in Marh constituency on the outskirts of Jammu, Karra claimed key decisions regarding Jammu and Kashmir were being taken by the Centre through the Lt Governor despite the presence of an elected government.
\u201cThe BJP-led central government is treating people here (J&K) as second-class citizens by depriving them of statehood. Key decisions are being taken by the Centre through its nominated head (Lt Governor), despite an elected government being in place,\u201d Karra said.
\u201cThe dual-control system is the root cause of the prevailing uncertainty and lack of accountability,\u201d Karra added.
He urged people to question the BJP over its \u201cfailure\u201d to deliver on promises of restoring Jammu and Kashmir\u2019s statehood and ensuring development despite securing a strong mandate in the Jammu region.
Karra claimed the party\u2019s 29 MLAs have remained silent on the issue of statehood and failed to secure adequate funds for Jammu and Kashmir, particularly for flood-affected people and farmers.
\u201cThe unemployed and daily wagers, contractual and temporary employees, are suffering due to a lack of an adequate financial package from the Centre. The Centre and the BJP cannot escape responsibility towards youth who are suffering,\u201d he said.
Targeting Prime Minister Modi, Karra alleged that he was under external influence and that Trump was dictating terms and imposing decisions on India. He said Modi was \u201ccompromised due to pressures of Epstein files revelations and the Adani case\u201d.
\u201cIndia never succumbed to the pressures of superpowers and always followed an independent foreign policy right from Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru in the interests of our nation.
\u201cFor the first time, the US is imposing decisions against the interests of our country as the PM is compromised,\u201d he said.
Describing the situation as a \u201cvery serious\u201d attack on the country\u2019s sovereignty and dignity, Karra questioned the prime minister\u2019s silence on the matter.
\u201cThe recent (trade) deal with the US is anti-farmers, anti-people and has put the economic interests of our country at stake, as Indians have to bear the brunt of US taxes. All commodities, including LPG, petrol, and diesel, have become costlier and more would follow,\u201d he said.
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