National Conference on Tuesday lashed out at the PDP-BJP Government for ‘enacting fixed-matches and dramas’ over the miseries of thousand of flood victims who continue to await any compensation or rehabilitation from the Government. Reacting strongly to the theatrical fixed-match being enacted between two Cabinet Ministers over the quantum of the flood victim rehabilitation package NC Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani said such ploys cannot absolve PDP of its role in sabotaging and subverting the 44,000 crore flood relief package that was sought from the Center by the previous NC-led Omar Abdullah Government.
“The Deputy Chief Minister of the State, Nirmal Singh has clearly said that 3,600 crore was a 'sufficient' amount for flood victim relief and rehabilitation and for dealing with the infrastructural damage caused by the natural calamity. How can Mr. Altaf Bukhari pretend to oppose this statement today when he remained silent when his own party colleague and Finance Minister, Dr. Haseeb Drabu opposed the 44,000 crore Flood Relief and Rehabilitation Package on the floor of the Assembly? Why did Mr. Altaf Bukhari remain silent when Dr. Haseeb Drabu did back then what Mr. Nirmal Singh has done today? This is nothing but a fixed match to conceal the utter failure of the Mufti-led Government in doing justice with the flood victims,” he said.
The NC Provincial President said PDP had played a pivotal role in allowing the BJP and the Central Government to avoid accepting the flood relief and rehabilitation package. “PDP is on board on the decision to ignore the flood victims. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. PDP has its own Finance Minister and its own Chief Minister. Rather than supporting the 44,000 crore flood package that the NC-led Government had sought based on assessment of losses, PDP chose its own ego over the interests of the devastated flood victims. Till today there hasn't been a single serious effort from either the Chief Minister or the Finance Minister to demand a package from New Delhi. These fixed-matches between Cabinet Minister now is for media consumption. Such ploys to fool the people won’t succeed,” Wani added.
The NC Provincial President said the distribution of Rs 47 cheques among flood victims was the appropriate characterization of this Government and represented its lack of empathy and solidarity with those who continue to suffer. “PDP holds key portfolios in the present Government. There is an enormous governance deficit in the State. Public infrastructure is in shambles. What has the Works Minister done to start the rebuilding of public infrastructure in the State? The people of the State are not interested in blame-games and excuses, nor will they be fooled by these fixed-matches. The flood victims have a right to dignified compensation and rehabilitation and the PDP-BJP Government cannot absolve itself of this duty unto them,” Wani stated.