BJP mounts major protest against NC government in Jammu, accuses it of failing on promises

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BJP workers raise slogans during a protest rally against the National Conference government, in Jammu on August 17, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI

Hundreds of BJP workers, led by Jammu and Kashmir party president Sat Sharma, took to the streets on Monday (August 17, 2026) to protest against the National Conference-led government, accusing it of failing to fulfil its election promises and address unemployment and development issues.

Carrying placards and party flags, the BJP activists gathered at Dogra Chowk, Maheshpura and Panjtirthi before marching separately toward the Civil Secretariat via Shalimar Road under the leadership of Sharma, Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma and Leader of Opposition in the J-K Assembly Sunil Sharma, raising slogans against the NC-Congress alliance.

Several senior party leaders demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, alleging large-scale corruption and complete failure of governance.

Protesters also set ablaze effigies of the NC-Congress government, while police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in large numbers along the march routes and the Civil Secretariat. Women workers of the BJP Mahila Morcha also participated in the demonstration.

BJP workers burn an effigy and raise slogans during a protest rally against the National Conference government, in Jammu on August 17, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI

"Thousands of BJP workers, MPs, legislators and common people are on the roads to express their anger against the NC-led government. The elections were held after a long gap, and the National Conference came to power after making several promises before the elections. But now, when it is time to actually work, they keep raising the issue of statehood to mislead the public," the J-K BJP president said.

He claimed that since the government has failed to meet the public's expectations, it's using the statehood issue merely to distract people.

"They know that people will question them. They have already seen the results in Nagrota and Budgam (by polls), and they know what their situation is going to be. National Conference is a completely failed political party. Unfortunately, our misfortune is that their alliance is with a political party (Congress) which has no respect for the national anthem or the national song," he said.

He assured that the BJP wants the government to work effectively and would play the role of a constructive opposition.

Mr. Sharma warned that the BJP would escalate its agitation if the government did not address public concerns, planning future protests at district, town and local levels.

BJP MP Jugal Kishore Sharma claimed that the National Conference-led government had failed to tackle basic issues facing the public.

He alleged that the government had been unable to ensure adequate civic amenities, including proper roads, electricity and drinking water, despite repeated assurances.