BJP protests in Jammu, accuses NC-led government of breaching election promises

Hundreds of BJP workers led by Jammu and Kashmir party president Sat Sharma took to the streets in Jammu on Monday, August 17, 2026, to protest against the National Conference-led government, accusing it of failing to fulfil election promises and address unemployment and development issues. The protesters gathered at Dogra Chowk, Maheshpura, and Panjtirthi before marching separately towards the Civil Secretariat via Shalimar Road, raising slogans against the NC-Congress alliance.

The demonstration saw participation from party MPs, legislators, and women workers of the BJP Mahila Morcha. Protesters carried placards and party flags, and effigies of the NC-Congress government were burnt. Police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in large numbers along the march routes and near the Civil Secretariat.

Sat Sharma, the J&K BJP president, said the National Conference came to power after making several promises but has failed to deliver. He alleged that the government is using the statehood issue to distract the public from its inaction. “Thousands of BJP workers, MPs, legislators and common people are on the roads to express their anger against the NC-led government,” he said, adding that the results of recent bypolls in Nagrota and Budgam indicated public dissatisfaction.

Sharma said the BJP wants the government to work effectively and will play the role of a constructive opposition. He warned that the agitation would be intensified at district, town, and local levels if the government continues to ignore public concerns.

BJP MP Jugal Kishore Sharma alleged that the NC-led government has failed to ensure basic civic amenities, including proper roads, electricity, and drinking water, despite repeated assurances. He accused the government of losing public confidence and demanded that it take responsibility for its failures and resign.

Leader of Opposition in the J&K Assembly Sunil Sharma accused the government of large-scale corruption, administrative failure, and poor governance. He said the BJP initially sought to play a constructive opposition role but was left with no option other than to take its fight to the streets.

MLA Sham Lal Sharma alleged discrimination against the people of Jammu region and said the government would be held accountable “from the floor of the Assembly to the streets.” MLA Vikram Randhawa accused Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of focusing on protocol and political posturing rather than addressing pressing issues. BJP Mahila Morcha president Neha Mahajan raised questions about youth employment, unemployment measures, and commitments towards women.

The BJP leaders also noted that the Centre had indicated statehood would be restored at an appropriate time, questioning the NC government’s failure to deliver on promises made to voters during the election campaign. The protest highlights the sharp political divide in Jammu and Kashmir, with the BJP in opposition to the NC-Congress alliance that came to power after last year’s assembly elections.