SRINAGAR, Sep 23 (PTI) — Jammu and Kashmir’s Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary firmly stated on Tuesday that the elected government remains determined to serve the people amid various challenges. Choudhary emphasized that criticisms urging their resignation will not deter their commitment.
Addressing reporters in Ganderbal district, Choudhary responded to claims that the government has failed to meet its election promises. He declared, “There are some people who want us to resign. But we are not among those who run away.” As a proud member of the National Conference party founded by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Abdullah, he reaffirmed the party’s dedication to advocating for the rights of Jammu and Kashmir residents.
Choudhary pointed out the limitations imposed on the current governance structure. “You have to understand that we do not have a state government,” he explained, reflecting on the challenges faced by the Union Territory government since the revocation of its special status. He criticized previous administrations, particularly the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), for the loss of statehood, which has led to “limited resources and limited powers.”
The Deputy CM further detailed how the presence of a dual governance system complicates their function. “We do not have a free hand as we still have a dual governance system,” he cautioned, noting the complexities entwined between the elected government and the appointed administration. Despite these hurdles, the government strives for the welfare of the community.
Choudhary reinforced the commitment of the National Conference to deliver on its electoral promises, saying, “We have been given a mandate for five years, not 10 months, to fulfil our election promises.” He highlighted their ongoing efforts under the leadership of NC president Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
During his press interaction, he acknowledged the pressing concerns about statehood and the restoration of Article 35A of the Indian Constitution. Responding to queries regarding these issues, Choudhary confirmed that they had discussed them during a cabinet meeting. “We have reiterated the stand on statehood,” he noted but added that the Lieutenant Governor’s administration seems disengaged, stating, “the LG sahib seems to have slept over the business rules.”
Choudhary also launched a critique against the opposition parties, particularly the BJP and PDP, blaming them for stalling progress in Jammu and Kashmir during their coalition governance from 2015 to 2018. “The PDP and the BJP are claiming to have done a lot of development work in Jammu and Kashmir over the past 11 years,” he challenged, wondering why traffic infrastructure remains insufficient if this were true.
“If you have done so much in terms of widening roads and improving connectivity, why are we still stuck in jams?” he raised an important point, emphasizing that the government would not remain idle while previous administrations neglected their responsibilities.
In conclusion, Choudhary’s statements reflect a government grappling with complex challenges while striving to redress the grievances of the people in Jammu and Kashmir. His strong assertions of resilience and dedication signal a commitment to the electorate despite external pressures and criticisms.
