Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary has strongly condemned the detention of leaders from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Delhi, questioning the current state of democratic freedoms in India and drawing parallels to the Emergency period. Choudhary specifically called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing serious allegations made by his own colleagues.
Addressing reporters on the sidelines of a function, Choudhary stated that the detention of CJP leaders, including Abhijit Dipke, Saurav Das, and Ashutosh Ranka, was “wrong and should not happen.” He emphasized that it is their democratic right to protest and voice their concerns. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the Deputy Chief Minister’s remarks were a direct response to attempts to prevent people from reaching a protest site in Delhi organized by the CJP against the Chief Election Commissioner.
Choudhary expressed deep concern over the restrictions imposed in the national capital, arguing that such measures raise significant questions about the state of democratic freedom in the country. He posed a rhetorical question, asking if the current situation was any less serious than during the Emergency, given that the entire city of Delhi had been brought to a standstill. He highlighted that the BJP frequently invokes the Emergency, and questioned the hypocrisy of imposing similar restrictions.
The Deputy Chief Minister further asserted the necessity of a transparent electoral process and a robust democracy. He reiterated his call for the Chief Election Commissioner to resign on moral grounds to uphold public confidence in the electoral system. Choudhary articulated that if the aim is to maintain a vibrant and strong democracy and ensure transparency in the voting process, such a resignation would be a crucial step.
Choudhary also commented on the Opposition delegation, which included Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, meeting with President Droupadi Murmu. He explained that the decision to approach the President was driven by the need to safeguard democracy and ensure the independence of constitutional institutions. He described the President as the custodian of the Constitution and maintained that seeking her intervention was a legitimate democratic right. He stressed that to save democracy, the freedom and independence of institutions must be guaranteed.
Criticizing what he termed as attempts by the BJP to discredit public protests by labeling participants, Choudhary drew parallels with the farmers’ agitation. He recalled instances where protesters were branded as Khalistanis, Pakistanis, or similar tags. He questioned the longevity of such divisive tactics and urged a focus on the genuine demands of the people.
Highlighting the pervasive issue of unemployment, the Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that young people across the country, including the children of BJP workers, are struggling to find employment. He alleged that the critical issue of unemployment is not receiving adequate attention or discussion. Choudhary candidly admitted that his own children are also unemployed, underscoring the widespread nature of the problem and the urgent need to address the concerns of educated youth.
Furthermore, Choudhary criticized the alleged treatment of protesting young people, particularly women, by the police in Delhi. He questioned the use of force and detention against young protesters who were raising legitimate demands and seeking their rights. He poignantly asked if this was the appropriate way to treat the daughters of the country, the daughters of Mahatma Gandhi’s India and of Babasaheb Ambedkar’s India.
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.
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