DyCM Surinder Choudhary: ‘We Will Not Show Our Backs’
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary asserts that the Jammu and Kashmir government will not resign in the face of challenges, vowing to fulfill promises despite limited powers.
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SRINAGAR, Sep 23 (PTI) – In a fervent declaration, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary asserted on Tuesday that the elected government of the Union Territory is committed to its mandate amidst numerous challenges. Despite calls for resignation, Choudhary emphasized that he and his colleagues will not back down from their responsibility to the people.
Speaking to reporters 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.” This statement comes in light of criticisms regarding the government’s ability to deliver on election promises.
Choudhary explained that the current constraints stem from the transition to a Union Territory, which limits the government’s powers. “You will have to understand that we do not have a state government. The special status and statehood we lost because of the PDP has resulted in a UT government that has limited resources and limited powers,” he elaborated.
Despite these limitations, Choudhary asserted that the National Conference government remains dedicated to resolving the issues facing citizens. “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. Then you can ask us which promises we fulfilled and which we did not,” he noted.
When questioned about discussing statehood and the restoration of Article 35A of the Constitution in the upcoming assembly session, Choudhary mentioned that the cabinet held discussions earlier that day. “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 acknowledged.
Choudhary criticized the opposition parties, particularly the BJP and PDP, accusing them of neglecting the development of Jammu and Kashmir during their coalition tenure from 2015 to 2018. “The PDP and BJP have been claiming major development contributions over the past 11 years. They should clarify why, despite their claims of improving connectivity and expanding roads, we are still witnessing traffic jams,” he said.
As the upcoming assembly session approaches, Choudhary’s statements highlight the ongoing political challenges and the pressing need for governmental accountability in Jammu and Kashmir. His critique of the previous government’s record underscores a wider call for effective governance amid a backdrop of regional discontent. The road ahead remains fraught with difficulties, but the government stays firm in its commitment to represent the interests of the people.
