Says ‘Govt knee deep involved in corruption, failed to assess flood damages’
Srinagar: Sunil Sharma, the Leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader, has called for a CBI inquiry into a significant alleged scam within the Public Works (R&B) Department, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Talking to reporters outside the assembly complex Sharma highlighted a newspaper report detailing financial irregularities in a government scheme, questioning the government’s commitment to employment while being embroiled in corruption. Sharma raised concerns about the involvement of a specific MLA, who may also be a minister, in the alleged scam, suggesting that private meetings with Abdullah could be related to corrupt dealings. He expressed shock at the emergence of large-scale scams within a short period and criticized the government’s inaction, emphasizing the need for a CBI investigation to uncover potential widespread corruption across various divisions. He pointed out that tenders were reportedly awarded to a single contractor, questioning the government’s transparency and accountability. Sharma underscored the detrimental impact of corruption on society, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like casual laborers, and argued that addressing corruption could resolve many other societal issues. Additionally, Sharma criticized the government’s failure to assess damages from recent heavy rains and floods in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that poor families are still awaiting relief. He mentioned that despite directives from Union ministers for a damage assessment report, no action has been taken, which he deemed an insult to affected families. The BJP has been actively raising these issues in the Assembly, seeking discussions on the plight of flood victims, but has faced government resistance.
