Raja Syed Rather
Srinagar, Oct 16: “The Omar Abdullah-led government has been given a five-year mandate by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and the administration will face the public with transparency, accountability and proof of its work before the next elections,” Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said on Thursday.
Speaking on the first anniversary of the National Conference government, Choudhary, said the cabinet will collectively present its performance report to the people. “The entire cabinet will sit together and answer the people’s questions. After five years, our leader, Dr Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will jointly present the report card of our government,” he said.
Expressing disappointment over “selective” criticism, the Deputy CM questioned why similar scrutiny was missing during the Lieutenant Governor’s administration. “I feel sad and heartbroken when such questions are posed to me and my leader, Omar Abdullah. “Where were these questions when the LG administration ruled for six years? Why don’t you ask them for a white paper?”
Choudhary said that several developmental projects initiated before 2018 have remained incomplete for years. “I went to Hyderpora, where Rs 5 crore was spent on a building in 2016; it is still incomplete. The same is the case in Natipora, where Rs 2 crore was spent on a community hall started in 2018. Even bridges like the one in Ganderbal remain hanging,” he said.
Targeting the former BJP-PDP alliance, he said, “Sunil Sharma today speaks as if he represents Raj Bhavan. One day, he issues a statement, the next day Mehbooba Mufti echoes it, and then Sajjad Lone repeats the same. Their alliance is still alive — they all seem to be speaking in one voice.”
Choudhary assured that the current government would focus on completing all pending projects left unfinished during the previous regimes. “We are carrying forward a big agenda. After five years, ask us for accountability. We will present our manifesto and our achievements side by side,” he said.
The Deputy CM also alleged misuse of funds under previous administrations, particularly referencing the industrial sector. “Industries in Jammu and Kashmir say they received nothing from the Rs 28,000 crore package. Even small shopkeepers claim they didn’t benefit. If the funds were spent, an inquiry must be held to identify where the money went and what lands were allotted,” he said.
He further claimed that his security was withdrawn after he raised questions about financial irregularities. “My motorcade and security were taken away because I spoke the truth. I told them, if you think I need protection, fine; if not, take it away. I am not hungry for security,” he said.
Choudhary said the NC government is committed to honesty and accountability. “We are answerable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir who have given us a five-year mandate. We will face them with honesty and results,” he said.
