Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary has strongly refuted criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding the representation of various regions in the recently expanded state cabinet. Choudhary questioned the criteria used by some individuals in Jammu to define Hindu identity, particularly in the context of the Chenab Valley’s political contributions.
Responding to the BJP’s assertions that the National Conference government had failed to ensure adequate representation for all regions in the expanded cabinet, Choudhary stated that some individuals in Jammu did not even consider him a Hindu. “People in Jammu say that ‘we have not received our fair share’. But when it comes to voting, the Chenab Valley has at least given two seats, whereas the people of Jammu have not given even one. Yet, they expect an equal share,” Choudhary told reporters in Ramban district, as reported by The Tribune India. He further elaborated, “Surinder Choudhary has been appointed from Jammu, but they do not even consider me a Hindu. I do not know whom they consider a Hindu. It seems that I am not a Hindu at all in the eyes of some people in Jammu. I do not know who qualifies as a Hindu according to their standards.”
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Choudhary, while addressing concerns about regional representation, assured the residents of the Chenab Valley that the government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, would not neglect any area, even in the absence of direct ministerial positions for some parts of the region. “Even if the Chenab Valley has not received a ministerial position, that does not mean we will abandon its people. The Omar Abdullah government will ensure that the region receives its fair and equal share,” he stated.
The Deputy Chief Minister also accused BJP leaders of making politically motivated statements on development projects without actively addressing the hurdles that impede their progress. He pointed out that while credit is often claimed upon project completion and the issuance of necessary clearances, the same leaders fail to intervene when projects are stalled due to pending No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) and forest clearances. “When the work is completed, and the NOC is granted, everyone claims credit. But when the NOC is stuck, they (the BJP) should go to Delhi and get the clearance issued,” Choudhary remarked.
Choudhary specifically challenged BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Sunil Sharma, to actively assist in expediting the clearance of pending files, asserting that mere political rhetoric would not resolve the developmental issues affecting various projects. He criticized Sharma’s approach, stating, “Instead, he comes here and tells you every day that this government will collapse and so on…Two years have passed amid all this talk and speculation about the government falling. By your prayers and with the blessings of my mother, Vaishno Devi, we have completed two years and will complete the next three as well,” Choudhary added, underscoring the stability of the current administration despite political opposition.
The exchange highlights ongoing political dynamics within Jammu and Kashmir, particularly concerning regional aspirations and the allocation of resources and representation. The Deputy Chief Minister’s remarks underscore a sentiment of perceived regional neglect and question the basis of political claims regarding fairness and representation. The focus on developmental project clearances also points to the administrative challenges faced by the government and the role of political parties in facilitating or obstructing progress. The stability of the government, as asserted by Choudhary, remains a key point of contention amidst the political discourse.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.