Srinagar, Oct 13: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday launched a sharp attack on the BJP, accusing it of ignoring the core issues of Jammu and Kashmir while trying to divert attention from its failures.
He said the National Conference remains the only party consistently speaking for the rights and dignity of the people.
Choudhary, speaking to reporters ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls, said the three NC candidates who are set to enter Parliament will represent the voice of J&K in Delhi. “Those who will win from the National Conference will speak for Jammu and Kashmir in the Rajya Sabha,” he said.
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He criticised the BJP for failing to address unemployment and other public concerns. “BJP didn’t talk about the issues 11 years ago, and it doesn’t talk about them today. They only talk about NC’s manifesto, not the problems of the people,” he said.
Choudhary said the NC is committed to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and constitutional status.
“Our biggest demand is to get back the statehood and lost status of J&K. We cannot tolerate this UT setup,” he said.
He referred to Ladakh as an example of how Union Territory status has disappointed people. “Those who celebrated UT status in Ladakh are now angry and feel cheated. Imagine the pain of those who never even demanded it,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister also raised the issue of daily wagers and contractual workers. “There is a big issue of daily wagers. They need to be regularised, but nothing is being done,” he said.
Taking a dig at the BJP, he accused its local leaders of acting as “mouthpieces” for Delhi. “BJP leaders here are puppets. Whatever letter comes from Delhi, they just read it out in the morning,” he said.
Choudhary also targeted Mehbooba Mufti and BJP leaders, hinting they act on directions from the Centre.“LOP and Mehbooba Ji speak the same language. They read what Delhi sends,” he added.
He said journalists in J&K face restrictions but continue to speak truth despite pressure. “Those journalists who speak the truth face obstacles. We know it, and you know it,” he said.
On statehood, he said the Supreme Court should now decide since elections too were held under its direction. “The Centre promised statehood not just to us, but to the Supreme Court. We hope the next hearing brings a decision,” he said.
Responding to questions about alliances and seat-sharing, he declined to go into details. “There is still time to file forms. Ask us after that, not now,” he said.
He urged people to take NC leadership seriously. “If you take anyone seriously in J&K, take the cadre of National Conference, Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah. Others are divided into Team A, B, C,” he said.
Choudhary said critics who once shouted claims are quiet today. “Those who shouted 50 times earlier are now whistling. Let the 24th come, the result will speak,” he said.(KNS)
