Srinagar: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday launched a strong attack on the BJP, accusing the party of ignoring Jammu and Kashmir’s real issues while attempting to divert public attention from its failures.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections, Choudhary said the National Conference (NC) remains the only political force consistently fighting for the rights and dignity of the people. He asserted that the three NC candidates poised to enter Parliament would represent the true voice of J&K in Delhi.
“Those who win from the National Conference will speak for Jammu and Kashmir in the Rajya Sabha,” he said.
Choudhary slammed the BJP for its “decade-long indifference” to unemployment and public grievances. “The BJP didn’t talk about people’s issues 11 years ago, and it doesn’t talk about them today. They only focus on the NC’s manifesto instead of addressing public problems,” he remarked.
Reaffirming NC’s core agenda, Choudhary said the party’s top priority remains the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and constitutional status.
“Our biggest demand is to reclaim J&K’s lost statehood. We cannot accept this Union Territory setup,” he declared.
Citing Ladakh as an example, he said, “Those who once celebrated UT status in Ladakh now feel betrayed. Imagine the pain of those who never even asked for it.”
The Deputy CM also raised concerns about daily wagers and contractual employees, saying, “There’s a serious issue regarding their regularisation, yet nothing concrete is being done.”
Taking a swipe at the BJP’s local leadership, he accused them of acting as mere “mouthpieces” for the Centre. “BJP leaders here are puppets. They simply read whatever script comes from Delhi,” he said.
He further criticised PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and opposition leaders, alleging they “echo Delhi’s line.” “The Leader of Opposition and Mehbooba Ji speak the same language — both read what Delhi sends,” Choudhary added.
He also expressed solidarity with journalists in the region, acknowledging the challenges they face. “Those journalists who dare to speak the truth face many obstacles — we all know it,” he said.
On the restoration of statehood, Choudhary urged the Supreme Court to act swiftly. “The Centre promised statehood not just to us, but to the Supreme Court. Elections were held under its direction; now we hope the next hearing delivers justice,” he said.
When asked about possible alliances and seat-sharing, he declined to comment, saying, “There’s still time to file nominations. Ask us after that.”
Concluding his remarks, Choudhary urged people to trust the NC’s leadership. “If you take anyone seriously in J&K, it should be the National Conference — Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and our dedicated cadre. Others are divided into Team A, B, and C,” he said.
“Those who shouted the loudest before are now silent. Wait till the 24th — the results will speak for themselves,” he added.
