Srinagar, Sep 24: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved a scheme to provide six free LPG cylinders annually to families covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Satish Sharma informed the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
The announcement triggered a noisy protest from BJP members, who raised slogans including “Jhooti Sarkaar” and “Yeh dhokha hai” in the House.
Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma questioned the government’s decision to restrict the benefit to AAY families, saying the ruling party had promised 12 free LPG cylinders for every household during the elections.
“Two years ago you announced 12 free cylinders for every household. Today the Minister says six cylinders will be given to AAY only. This is mockery. You have been exposed,” the Leader of Opposition said.
He alleged that the government had “betrayed the people”, arguing that the benefit should not be limited to AAY families.
“Not even giving six cylinders to all is a betrayal of the poor,” he said.
The Leader of Opposition also questioned the government over its other election promises, including the commitment to provide one lakh jobs and 200 units of free electricity.
His remarks led to protests from the treasury benches, while BJP members continued raising slogans, resulting in a heated exchange between the two sides.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather intervened and attempted to restore order as the uproar continued in the House for some time.
