Bhalla slams rising prices, says post-election policies burden common man
03/05/2026
Jammu, May 03 (KIP)-Continuing his party’s outreach programme to connect with the grassroots and address public concerns, Raman Bhalla, Working President of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee, today organized an impressive public meeting at Ward 49, Channi Rama Malik Market.The meeting witnessed participation from a large number of local residents who highlighted a range of civic and socio-economic issues affecting their daily lives. Prominent among those present on the occasion included Kamal Singh (Ex-Corporator), Jatinder Singh Chib, Hafiz, Raj Kumar, Bashir Ahmed, Diwan Chand, Gagan Bral, Gopal Kumar, Kaka, Billa, Manohar, Nazir Ahmed, Ravi Kumar, Hukamchand, Gurpreet Singh, and Pankaj Bhagat, besides several others.
Addressing the gathering, Raman Bhalla reiterated his commitment to taking up the concerns of the people with the concerned authorities and ensuring that their voices are effectively represented at appropriate forums. He emphasized that such outreach programmes are essential to understand the ground realities and bridge the gap between the public and the administration. During the interaction, residents raised issues related to inadequate civic amenities, including irregular water supply, poor sanitation, damaged roads, unemployment, rising prices, and lack of adequate healthcare and educational facilities. Special concern was expressed over the need for better infrastructure development and timely redressal of grievances at the grassroots level.
Highlighting the broader perspective, Bhalla stressed the importance of addressing the issues of all sections of society across Jammu and Kashmir. He underscored that inclusive governance must take into account the challenges faced by youth, women, daily wage workers, traders, farmers, and marginalized communities. He called for focused attention on employment generation, strengthening public healthcare systems, improving educational infrastructure, and ensuring social security for vulnerable sections. He further urged the administration to adopt a responsive and people-centric approach, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. Bhalla assured the gathering that he would continue to highlight these issues at every possible platform and push for their resolution through sustained efforts.
Bhalla expressed serious concern over the rising inflation and increasing financial burden on households, particularly pointing to the recent hike in LPG cylinder prices. He alleged that such decisions, taken immediately after the conclusion of elections in several states, have exposed what he termed as the “anti-people approach” of the BJP-led government. Bhalla said that the continuous rise in prices of essential commodities, fuel, and cooking gas has severely impacted the daily lives of middle-class families, labourers, and economically weaker sections. “The common man is already struggling to make ends meet, and repeated price hikes are pushing families into deeper financial distress,” he said.
Referring to statements made by Rahul Gandhi, Bhalla remarked that the current situation appears to validate concerns that the government tends to delay tough economic decisions until after elections, only to impose them later, thereby increasing the burden on the public. He added that such policies undermine trust and create a sense of uncertainty among citizens. Highlighting the local context of Jammu and Kashmir, Bhalla emphasized that inflation has a compounded impact in the region, where many families depend on fixed incomes or limited employment opportunities. He noted that rising costs of basic necessities, including food items, transportation, and domestic fuel, are affecting not just urban households but also rural communities.
He urged the government to take immediate steps to control inflation, reduce the burden of LPG prices, and provide relief measures for vulnerable sections. Bhalla also called for a comprehensive policy approach that addresses unemployment, strengthens public distribution systems, and ensures affordable healthcare and education. Reiterating his commitment to public welfare, Bhalla assured the people that he would continue to raise these issues at every appropriate forum. “It is our responsibility to highlight the hardships faced by every section of society—youth, women, workers, traders, and farmers—and ensure that their voices are heard,” he said.
The meeting concluded with Bhalla appealing for unity and collective effort to hold authorities accountable and work towards policies that prioritize the welfare and economic security of the common people. Reaffirming his dedication to public service, Raman Bhalla appealed to the people to remain united and proactive in voicing their concerns, stating that collective participation is key to achieving meaningful development and progress in the Union Territory. The programme concluded with an interactive session, where residents expressed appreciation for the initiative and hoped for timely action on the issues raised.