 Early Times Report
POONCH, May 4: Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha nominated MP Ghulam Ali Khatana concluded a two-day visit to the Mendhar Assembly segment, during which he held multiple public meetings, interactions, and a public darbar with local residents.
During his visit, several leaders associated with the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, expressing support for its policies and leadership. Prominent among them were Sarfraz Choudhary (Ex-Naib Sarpanch and youth leader), Haji Mir Mohammad (Ex-Sarpanch), Mohammad Nazir (Ex-Naib Sarpanch), Haji Sharief, Haji Yousif, Haji Bashir Sayal, Akhlaq Sayal, Haji Manner, Haji Aslam, Haji Shokat, and Haji Shafiq, along with several panches.
Khatana addressed various gatherings across the constituency, focusing on key developmental challenges and governance issues in the region.
A public darbar was organized during the visit, attended by residents from Mankote, Mendhar, and Balakote blocks. Senior officers from various government departments were present, providing a platform for people from different panchayats to directly raise their grievances and seek redressal.
Residents highlighted several pressing concerns, including shortages of teachers and doctors, water scarcity, delays in road construction under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, and lack of proper quality control. Allegations of corruption, politically motivated works, and misuse of public funds were also raised.
Expressing serious concern, Khatana alleged irregularities in the implementation of hand pump schemes in Poonch district. He claimed that old hand pumps were being falsely shown as newly installed to siphon off government funds.
The MP also pointed to the poor condition of infrastructure in government schools and healthcare institutions, stating that both sectors require urgent intervention.
Calling for accountability, he said he would recommend a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation, asserting that strict action must be taken against those involved in corruption or malpractice.
Reaffirming his commitment to development and transparency, Khatana assured the public that sustained efforts would be made to strengthen infrastructure and improve essential services across the region. |
