Udhampur: Launching a scathing attack on the National Conference-Cong Government for its failure to honour the promises made to the people during the Assembly elections, Ranbir Singh Pathania, MLA Udhampur East, said that the government had reduced governance to a political rhetoric, excuses and unfulfilled assurances, while the aspirations of the people continued to remain unaddressed.
Pathania said that the National Conference had sought votes on the basis of a tall catalogue of promises, including 200 units of free electricity, free LPG cylinders, free travel and one lakh jobs for the youth. However, even after assuming power, the government has failed to translate these commitments into tangible relief for the people.
“An issue-less and purposeless government seems to have lost its direction and sense of responsibility. The people were given tall promises and lofty assurances, but what they are receiving in return is disappointment and disillusionment. Political rhetoric cannot substitute for governance, nor can excuses compensate for unfulfilled commitments,” he asserted.
Taking particular exception to what he termed the continued neglect of the Jammu region, Pathania said that the entire region was being left out of the developmental priorities of the present dispensation. From Doda and Kishtwar to the Pahari belt of Rajouri and Poonch, and from Udhampur to Kathua and Samba, people across Jammu region continue to await equitable attention, development and their legitimate share in governance.
He said that the people of Jammu region had equal aspirations and equal rights to development, and there could be no justification for any discriminatory or indifferent approach towards their concerns. Elections are not merely about securing votes through attractive promises; they are about delivering on those promises. The real test of leadership lies in the roads constructed, grievances resolved, facilities created and opportunities delivered, he added.
**Developmental Push to Rural Udhampur East**
Amidst this backdrop of unfulfilled political promises, Pathania reiterated that development on the ground, rather than rhetoric, remained the cornerstone of his approach towards public service. In this direction, he inaugurated/initiated a series of important developmental works in the Khandui-Khandra area, aimed at strengthening rural connectivity, community infrastructure and educational facilities.
A major highlight was the Naddi Talab to Khandra road project, to be taken up at an estimated cost of ₹12 crore. The road is expected to significantly improve connectivity for the local population, facilitate transportation and provide better access to essential services, markets and livelihood opportunities. Describing roads as the lifelines of rural development, Pathania said that improved connectivity was fundamental to bringing remote habitations into the mainstream of progress.
He also kickstarted construction of a shelter shed/community hall at Baba Loundna Dev Sthan at an estimated cost of ₹30 lakh. The facility will provide an important common space for community gatherings, religious occasions and social functions, strengthening the social and cultural fabric of the area.
Giving equal emphasis to education, Pathania stated that three additional classrooms would be constructed at Middle School Khandui. He observed that investment in educational infrastructure was an investment in the future of the younger generation and that every child, irrespective of geographical location, deserved access to a conducive learning environment.
Pathania said that these initiatives were part of his larger vision to transform the developmental profile of Udhampur East, with particular emphasis on rural connectivity, education, community infrastructure and essential public amenities. He reiterated his commitment to developing Udhampur East as a model constituency in terms of connectivity and public service delivery, ensuring that no village, habitation or section of society remained deprived of basic developmental facilities.
He further emphasised that development must be visible on the ground and translate into meaningful improvements in the everyday lives of ordinary citizens. Timely execution, quality of construction and effective monitoring of all developmental works, he said, would remain central to his approach.
Those present on the occasion included Lalita Sharma, Mandal Pradhan; Subhash Sharma; Mangat Ram; Chain Singh Dehati; Rohit Sethi; Pandit Shiv Kumar; Vijay Kumar, besides a galaxy of local representatives, prominent citizens and residents of the area.
