SRINAGAR, Sep 23 (PTI) – Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary emphasized that his government will not resign despite facing numerous challenges. He made these remarks on Tuesday while addressing reporters in Ganderbal district, affirming their dedication to serving the people within their limited powers.
Choudhary responded firmly to critics, stating, “There are some people who want us to resign. But we are not among those who run away”. He reiterated his commitment to the legacy of Sher-e-Kashmir, vowing to struggle and advocate for the rights of the people. Addressing the question of whether the elected government has fulfilled its election promises, he acknowledged the constraints under which they operate.
“You will have to understand that we do not have a state government,” he clarified. He attributed the loss of special status and statehood in Jammu and Kashmir to previous governance, particularly criticizing the PDP’s past administration. Choudhary stated, “It has resulted in a UT government that has limited resources and limited powers”.
The deputy chief minister explained the existing dual governance structure involving both an elected government and an appointed administration, which hinders their ability to function freely.
Despite these difficulties, Choudhary assured the public that the National Conference government remains committed to addressing their problems. “We will fulfill all the promises made by NC president Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah,” he asserted, emphasizing that the government received a mandate for five years, not merely ten months.
When asked about the possible discussion of statehood and the restoration of Article 35A in the upcoming assembly session, he confirmed this issue was addressed in a recent cabinet meeting. “We have reiterated the stand on statehood. Leave aside statehood, the LG sahib seems to have slept over the business rules,” he remarked, indicating a belief that the governance under the current Lieutenant Governor lacks urgency.
Choudhary’s comments also included strong criticism of opposition parties, particularly the BJP and PDP, which he accused of neglecting the region’s development during their coalition 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 asserted, challenging their record by highlighting ongoing traffic congestion and lack of infrastructure improvements.
“If they have indeed improved connectivity, why are we still stuck in traffic jams?” he questioned, highlighting the discontent with past governance. As the deputy chief minister rallied support for the ongoing efforts of his government, he made it clear they will not remain passive amid what he perceived to be a history of neglect from former administrations.
As Jammu and Kashmir continues to navigate its challenges under a Union Territory framework, Choudhary’s determination to fight for the rights of the people could serve as a rallying point for the ongoing political discourse in the region. The deputy chief minister’s declarations reflect a commitment to pressing forward despite facing critical scrutiny and the weight of historical political decisions.
