Srinagar: BJP leaders and workers assembled at the iconic Ghanta Ghar in Srinagar's Lal Chowk on Wednesday ahead of the party's planned “Secretariat Gherao” protest against the Jammu and Kashmir government.
The BJP has announced the protest to highlight issues including unemployment, alleged backdoor appointments, job outsourcing, corruption, electricity tariffs and other governance-related concerns. Party leaders said the demonstration aims to raise issues affecting the youth and seek accountability from the Omar Abdullah-led administration.
BJP Leaders Address Workers At Lal Chowk
The party had called upon workers to gather at Ghanta Ghar before marching towards the Civil Secretariat through the Budshah Bridge route. Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, was among the prominent BJP leaders who addressed the gathering.
While addressing party workers, Sharma raised concerns over employment opportunities, electricity, roads and other public issues. He also accused the National Conference-led government of not fulfilling promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections.
Heavy Security Deployment in Srinagar
Ahead of the protest, security arrangements were strengthened across Srinagar. Police and security forces were deployed in sensitive areas including Lal Chowk and Jawahar Nagar.
Srinagar: BJP leaders and workers gathered at Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk ahead of their planned Secretariat Gherao march against the Jammu and Kashmir government. The party is staging protest against the issues including unemployment, alleged backdoor appointments, corruption,… pic.twitter.com/BOBPR1Bb2B
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Authorities restricted movement on several routes and sealed roads leading towards the BJP office in Jawahar Nagar as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.
National Conference Announces Counter Protest
The BJP's protest coincided with a separate mobilization program by the ruling National Conference. The party has announced a counter-protest and plans to march towards the BJP office, demanding restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and raising questions over commitments made by the Union government.
With both political parties holding programs in Srinagar on the same day, security agencies remained on alert to prevent any possible confrontation between supporters.
Political Tensions Rise In Jammu And Kashmir
The BJP's Secretariat Gherao programme, which was earlier postponed, was revived for September 2. Party leaders said the protest would mainly focus on employment issues and alleged administrative failures.
The developments mark a fresh phase of political confrontation between the BJP and National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir, with both parties taking their demands to the streets of Srinag.