Sunil Sharma meets Srinagar delegations as public issues take centre stage before J&K Assembly session. (Img: Dynamite News)
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma has raised questions over governance issues in the Union Territory, saying the absence of statehood should not become a reason for delays in solving basic public problems. His remarks have gained attention ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s autumn session, where issues related to development, administration and public services are expected to dominate discussions.
Sharma, a BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the J&K Assembly, made the comments during an interaction with representatives from different sections of society in Srinagar. The meeting brought together trade unions, business groups, transporters, civil society members, professionals, medical representatives and students, who highlighted concerns affecting daily life.
The discussions focused on several ground-level issues, including electricity infrastructure, shortage of teachers in schools, availability of doctors in hospitals, poor road conditions, potholes, employment challenges and gaps in civic facilities.
## Public Concerns Put Governance Under Spotlight
During the interaction, Sharma said many of the issues raised by citizens were linked to routine administration and service delivery. He argued that questions related to roads, healthcare, education, electricity and local infrastructure require immediate attention through government departments.
The Opposition leader highlighted that citizens expect solutions to everyday problems regardless of the administrative structure of the region. His remarks have brought the issue of governance responsibility back into focus as political parties continue discussions around Jammu and Kashmir’s future administrative framework.
The debate over statehood has remained a major political issue in Jammu and Kashmir since the reorganisation of the former state in 2019. The region was converted into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh — leading to continued discussions over administrative powers, representation and restoration of statehood.
## Employment, Workers’ Issues And Civic Services Raised
Apart from infrastructure concerns, Sharma also highlighted issues affecting daily wage workers, contractual employees and other sections dependent on government-related employment opportunities.
He raised concerns over employment challenges faced by the youth, electricity tariffs, delays in Panchayat elections and allegations related to corruption. These issues have frequently featured in political discussions in Jammu and Kashmir, where employment generation and public service delivery remain important concerns.
The BJP leader said the concerns raised by different groups would be taken up with the concerned authorities and would also be highlighted during the upcoming Assembly session wherever required.
## Opposition Role And Assembly Session Ahead
Sharma emphasised the role of the Opposition in a democratic system, stating that public grievances must be raised through constitutional forums and government departments must be held accountable for implementation and delivery.
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s autumn session is scheduled to begin on September 21. The proceedings are expected to witness discussions on governance, infrastructure development, employment, public welfare schemes and administrative functioning.
With public issues emerging as a major focus area, the upcoming Assembly session is likely to provide a platform for political parties to debate the challenges faced by residents across Jammu and Kashmir.
## Bigger Political Picture In Jammu And Kashmir
The latest remarks come at a time when political discussions around statehood, administrative powers and development priorities continue in the Union Territory.
While political parties have different positions on the future administrative status of Jammu and Kashmir, public concerns over employment, healthcare, infrastructure and essential services remain central to the regional political conversation.
The Assembly session will now become a key forum where elected representatives are expected to raise citizens’ concerns and discuss measures related to governance and development.
