SRINAGAR, Sep 23 — Jammu and Kashmir’s Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary addressed challenges facing the Union Territory’s government on Tuesday, emphasizing resilience amid calls for resignations from some quarters. Choudhary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the people’s rights during a media interaction in Ganderbal district.
Choudhary stated, “There are some people who want us to resign. But we are not among those who run away. We are workers of Sher-e-Kashmir, we will struggle and fight for the rights of the people. We will not show our backs.” His remarks come as questions arise regarding the government’s ability to honor election promises.
While discussing the limitations faced by the current UT government, Choudhary pointed out, “You will have to understand that we do not have a state government. The gift we got from the PDP in the past, the special status and statehood we lost because of the PDP, it has resulted in a UT government that has limited resources and limited powers.” His comments reflect frustration over the dual governance structure that grants authority to both elected officials and appointed administrators.
Despite their constraints, Choudhary reassured the public of the National Conference (NC) government’s intent to address local issues, stating, “We will fulfill all the promises made by NC president Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. We are in the midst of a struggle. We have been given a mandate for five years, not 10 months, to fulfill our election promises.” His determination highlights ongoing efforts to prioritize the needs of citizens in a complex political environment.
When pressed about the restoration of statehood and Article 35A, Choudhary mentioned that these topics were recently discussed in a cabinet meeting. “We have reiterated our stance on statehood. Leave aside statehood, the LG sahib seems to have slept over the business rules. Your questions are very genuine, but you have to understand the circumstances that we are going through,” he explained.
Choudhary also criticized opposition parties, namely the BJP and PDP, for neglecting the region’s development during their tenure 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. They should be asked if you have done so much in terms of widening roads and improving connectivity, why are we still stuck in (traffic) jams?” he argued, underscoring his administration’s proactive stance amidst perceived stagnation.
Choudhary’s remarks signal a commitment to transparency and collaborative governance as Jammu and Kashmir continues to navigate its unique political landscape. The Deputy Chief Minister’s insistence on fulfilling promises made during the electoral campaign reflects a deeper conversation about accountability and public expectations in the region.
This discussion comes at a critical time as political dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir evolve. With statehood and local governance issues at the forefront, the government faces pressure to demonstrate effective leadership and address pressing community needs. Choudhary’s engagement with the media emphasizes the administration’s willingness to confront challenges head-on and advocate for the rights and expectations of the populace.
