Suhail Bhat
Srinagar Sept 23: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary today said Jammu and Kashmir is being run by two Governments, one appointed and one elected, and the National Conference Government is working to address problems left behind by previous administrations.
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Addressing reporters in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, Choudhary said the National Conference Government had inherited a difficult legacy after the abrogation of Article 370 and years of BJP-PDP rule followed by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration.
“This is the Government that is inside the UT, where resources are limited and we do not have a free hand. Even today, a double Government is running in Jammu and Kashmir, one appointed here and the other elected by the people, the Omar Abdullah Government. But by addressing these difficulties, we are working to reduce the problems of our people,” Choudhary said.
Choudhary criticized the opposition leader for targeting the National Conference despite being part of 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,” he remarked.
He held the BJP and PDP responsible for the J&K’s deteriorating infrastructure. “Before 2014, when Omar Abdullah was Chief Minister, traffic jams were not such a major issue. For the last 11 years, BJP and PDP claim they did a lot of work. If that is true, why are there still jams on Boulevard Road and Ganderbal roads? Why was nothing widened or improved?” he asked, adding that the LG Government, which lasted six years, was effectively an extension of the BJP.
Choudhary said people’s concerns about road congestion, connectivity and development were genuine, but it was unfair to judge the NC Government after just 10 months. “Judge us after five years, not after ten months. Every promise made by Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah in the manifesto will be fulfilled. We are not among those who back track. We are people of Sher-e-Kashmir, and we will fight for the rights of our people,” he added.
Responding to criticism of performance, Choudhary accused the BJP of betraying people with false promises. “What happened to Modi’s promise of Rs.15 lakh in every account? What has been done for our unemployed youth? What packages came from Delhi after floods destroyed homes, crops, and livelihoods? People are struggling for cylinders, food, and shelter, but the BJP has done nothing,” he said.
He said unemployment was the most pressing challenge. “Our young people are educated but jobless. Employment is the real issue, not just cylinders. We need policies, packages, and resources, which the Centre has failed to provide. That is why we ask for your support. Your concerns are genuine, but understand our constraints too,” he said.
Choudhary also said the NC leadership, including Omar Abdullah and Dr. Farooq Abdullah, constantly monitored public grievances. “Sometimes you people tweet, and Omar Sahib forwards it to me and Nasir. We act on it. This shows we are responsive,” he noted.
On the question of statehood, Choudhary reiterated that the NC was committed to restoring the dignity and rights of Jammu and Kashmir. “We are in the middle of a struggle. The special status was snatched by PDP’s compromises and BJP’s agenda. But we will fight to bring back honour, respect, and rights,” he said.
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