Jammu and Kashmir’s Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, said on Thursday that Maharajas are also dictators because they are not elected by the people but chosen.
Speaking to reporters, he said, "Are Maharajas not dictators? They are not elected, they are selected." He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not called a dictator because he was elected by the people through a democratic process.
His statement came after BJP MLA and Leader of the Opposition, Sunil Sharma, referred to the martyrs of July 13 as “traitors” during an assembly session.
Choudhary emphasised that martyrs should be respected, regardless of their community. "What I said is right. No derogatory remarks should be made against martyrs, no matter their background," he stated.
Sharma’s comment led to an uproar in the assembly, with lawmakers demanding an immediate apology. National Conference (NC) and other Kashmir-based legislators argued that the martyrs of July 13 fought against monarchy and for democracy.
During the discussion, PDP legislator Waheed Parra called for the restoration of the July 13 ‘Martyrs’ Day’ holiday and Sheikh Abdullah’s birth anniversary on December 5.
He said, "July 13 is an important day in J&K’s history. The martyrs sacrificed their lives for democracy and for India. Because of them, we have democracy today. I urge that both holidays be reinstated, and this house should support it, regardless of party differences."
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