LS elections crucial amid changed circumstances : Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami

Kulgam, May 16: Terming the ongoing Lok Sabha elections as crucial , senior CPI( M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said that these polls are being held in unprecedented circumstances.

Addressing a public gathering in Devsar area of south Kashmir's Kulgam district, Tarigami said that fundamental structures of the country were on the line.

"Our Constitution, secular democracy and rule of law are at stake,” he said. Tarigami added these elections were more crucial for people of Jammu and Kashmir as they faced the assault on their constitutional rights, identity and dignity.

He said that the current dispensation was creating fear among the minorities and disadvantaged. “BJP is driving wedge among communities in the name of religion. The Dalits are facing extraordinary challenges,”Tarigami said. He said that ballooning unemployment has become a bigger challenge across the country. CPI(M) leader said that in Jammu and Kashmir, the government  snatched the livelihood from people instead of offering them job opportunities.

"Many employees were sacked from their jobs without giving them a chance to be heard of," he said. Tarigami said that such dismissals were executed on the basis of mere suspicions. “The casual labourers and scheme workers working in different departments receive measly emoluments,” CPI(M) leader said.

Criticising the BJP government for failing to control the growing inflation, Tarigami said that India’s per capita is lowest among all G20 countries.“ And I do not understand what they are trumpeting about. For five kgs of ration, they expect people to dance to their tunes”, he said.

Tarigami said that now the people would not raise their hands to cheer for them. “The time for accountability has come,” he said. CPI(M) leader said that people of Jammu and Ladakh were given a wrong impression that they would be benefitted from the abrogation of article 370. “ Even initially there were celebrations in Ladakh, but now they are protesting amidst sub-zero temperatures, demanding protection for land and employment, ” Tarigami said.