Baramulla MLA defends development efforts amid PDP criticism
Arshid Farooq
Baramulla, Jan 30 (KINS): MLA Baramulla, Javid Beigh, faced criticism from the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday over claims that he was focusing disproportionate attention on the Kandi region of his constituency, while allegedly neglecting Baramulla town itself. The exchange highlights ongoing concerns over development priorities and basic infrastructure needs in the district.
District Spokesperson for PDP Baramulla, Mohammad Shaffi Pakeeza, in a statement, expressed disappointment over the recent remarks made by MLA Beigh in a live broadcast. While acknowledging the importance of ongoing development projects in the Kandi area, Pakeeza questioned why no meaningful projects had been introduced for Baramulla town, particularly concerning the town’s long-standing water issues.
“The MLA highlighted the launch of tap water projects for areas like Botapathri to Kandi, which is encouraging, but failed to address the pressing need for clean drinking water in Baramulla town,” Pakeeza said. “The town still relies on water lifted from the heavily polluted Jhelum River. Despite being just 12 kilometers away from the Kandi area, Baramulla’s water situation is dire, and this distance should not be treated as a ‘no big difference,’” he added.
The PDP leader said that people in Baramulla town have little choice but to use this contaminated water, which is widely avoided except in cases of necessity. He further questioned the apparent disparity in the scale of investment directed towards different parts of the constituency.
In response, Javid Beigh’s Personal Assistant, Sheikh Younis, rejected the allegations, asserting that the MLA was committed to the equitable development of all areas within his constituency. Younis pointed out that the MLA had framed a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a Rs 90 crore water project aimed at resolving the water crisis in Baramulla town.
“While PDP leaders continue to make baseless claims, the reality is that Javid Beigh is working to develop all areas of Baramulla equally, regardless of political allegiance or past voting trends,” Younis stated. He also highlighted ongoing initiatives to upgrade health facilities and improve road infrastructure across the district.
Younis dismissed the criticism from the PDP, calling the party’s statements “politically motivated” and “irrelevant,” asserting that the people of Baramulla have already rejected the PDP’s narrative. He further said that development efforts, including roads, healthcare, and water projects, are being implemented across both urban and rural areas, with a particular focus on sustainable and long-term solutions. (KINS)