24/10/2026
Rs 52 Crore Announced in Anantnag’s Name—Why Is Main Town Left on the Margins?
When Rs 52 crore is announced for Anantnag, Main Town residents rightly ask where their historic town stands in official priorities.
On Oct 22, 2026, CM Omar Abdullah inaugurated or laid foundation stones for projects worth Rs 52+ crore. Yet, official releases itemize only five major works totaling Rs 23.82 crore. Among these, just the Ashajipora–Donipawa road upgradation (Rs 3.61 crore, ~6.9%) touches the periphery of Main Town. The breakdown of the remaining Rs 28.18 crore remains opaque. Despite the Main Town MLA's presence at the review meeting, the absence of major concrete projects for the town raises questions about representation.
This mirrors a troubling pattern. In May–June 2026, a Rs 5.21 crore tender for flood restoration across five district stadiums (including Mehndikadal Stadium) was canceled and re-issued in July–August, slashed to Rs 4.63 crore. Local assessments reveal Mehndikadal received barely 10% of this reduced fund.
We must also reflect inwardly. In the 2024 Assembly elections, 44-Anantnag (Main Town) saw a mere 45.88% turnout—with just 9% from Municipal Limits—weakening our collective bargaining power in governance.
As a Senior Leader of JKAIP, I urge the government to publish the full item-wise breakdown of the Rs 52 crore package and sanction a dedicated upgrade fund for Mehndikadal Stadium. Democracy thrives on accountability.