GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL
BY ALTAF HUSSAIN
MENDHAR JAN, 15:-Social activist and law student Rizwan Ahmed has strongly criticised the performance of the National Conference (NC) in the Pir Panjal region, stating that the party has failed to meet the expectations of the people despite repeated claims of “historic work” by the Abdullah family.
Addressing media persons in Mendhar, Rizwan Ahmed said that while NC leaders frequently highlight past achievements, the ground reality in Pir Panjal tells a different story, with people still struggling for basic amenities, employment, and effective governance.
“The people of Pir Panjal are constantly reminded of so-called historic work, but what matters today is present governance, development, and livelihood opportunities,” he said, adding that several long-pending issues remain unresolved despite decades of political representation.
Commenting on the ongoing political controversy between Cabinet Minister Javed Ahmed Rana and Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, Rizwan Ahmed said that such disputes do not serve public interest. “The people do not want political arguments or verbal battles. They want jobs, development, and relief from daily hardships,” he asserted.
Raising serious concerns over the installation of smart electricity meters, Rizwan Ahmed questioned their financial impact on poor and middle-class families. He said that for a person earning barely ₹500 a day, paying high electricity bills generated through smart meters becomes extremely difficult. Referring specifically to Block Balakote, he noted that residents there are already facing economic distress and cannot afford additional financial burdens.
He also expressed concern over the condition of government schools, alleging negligence and lack of accountability among some government employees. “Children from poor families studying in government schools suffer the most due to the absence of sincerity and proper monitoring, which directly affects their education and future,” he said.
Highlighting irregularities in Anganwadi Centres, Rizwan Ahmed made a serious observation, stating that he is still unable to locate the Anganwadi centre in his own village. “If welfare centres exist only on paper, how will women and children benefit from government schemes?” he questioned.
Rizwan Ahmed further alleged that citizens who raise genuine questions about the National Conference’s performance are often branded as BJP supporters. “Asking questions is a democratic right, not a crime. It should not matter which party a person belongs to—every citizen has the right to demand accountability,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Rizwan Ahmed Pirpanjal urged political leaders to shift their focus to real issues affecting the people of Pir Panjal, including unemployment, education, basic services, and transparent governance. “Only sincere, people-centric policies can restore public trust and bring real development to the region,” he said.