Taking a jab on existing arrangement of governance as Union Territory, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Tuesday said that Jammu and Kashmir was effectively being run by “two governments,” one elected by the people and another imposed on them, as he criticised the opposition for what he described as selective attacks on the National Conference.
The Deputy CM's comments came in the backdrop of BJP and other parties raising fingers at NC led alliance in J&K whih he contended was far better than previous coalition governments. Speaking to media in Srinagar, Choudhary accused the leader of the opposition of always targeting the National Conference despite having held a ministerial position during the BJP-PDP alliance. “He was a minister during the BJP-PDP rule and did nothing for the people. Now he keeps blaming the National Conference. This is hypocrisy,” Choudhary remarked.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that his party needed a free hand to govern and fulfil promises made to the people. “Give us a free hand and then see where we will take Jammu Kashmir. We are committed to our manifesto and will implement every promise we have made,” he said.Choudhary reiterated his hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would honour commitments made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, including the restoration of full statehood. He also appealed for a comprehensive financial package to address the devastation caused by recent floods and the recurring blockade of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
“We still hope the Prime Minister will keep his promise and restore the status of statehood. We also expect a mega flood package to help rebuild lives after the damages suffered due to floods and highway disruptions,” he told reporters.The Deputy CM also launched a direct attack on the BJP and PDP, saying the two parties had long maintained a “setting” that benefitted them politically but hurt ordinary people. “BJP and PDP are like brothers. They fooled the people in the past, but now they cannot befool the public anymore. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have seen a decade of hardships and they know who is responsible,” he said.
He appealed to the media to understand the challenges faced by the government and report with sensitivity. “We are working in difficult circumstances. The media should understand the environment in which we are running this government,” Choudhary added.
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