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.
Speaking to reporters 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 and 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 as per the news agency Kashmri News Trust 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.
Earlier, the Deputy CM visited Boulevard Road at Nehru Park in Srinagar to review the ongoing road-widening project. He was accompanied by Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasr Islam Wani, and senior officials of the Roads and Buildings Department. During the inspection, Choudhary assessed the progress of the four-lane road project and directed officials to expedite the pace of work to ensure timely completion.
“The Boulevard is one of Srinagar’s most iconic stretches. The widened road will improve traffic flow, enhance the tourist experience, and provide better facilities to the public,” Choudhary said. He announced that the project would be inaugurated on October 17, adding that the government was determined to finish the work within the deadline.
Officials briefed the Deputy CM about the various stages of the project and assured him that necessary resources were being mobilised to speed up construction. Choudhary urged them to maintain quality standards while working under tight schedules.
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