Jammu and Kashmir’s Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, expressed grave concerns regarding what he described as a systematic undermining of the elected government in UT. His remarks come in the wake of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s accusations that high-ranking officials are disregarding the government’s directives in favor of instructions from the Lieutenant Governor.
Choudhary emphasized that the government of Jammu and Kashmir is one that has been elected by the people and not appointed by external authorities. He warned that recent administrative decisions and personnel transfers threaten to damage the very fabric of Indian democracy. “We hoped that LG sahib would accept the mandate of the people,” he said, expressing discontent with the apparent disconnect between the elected representatives and the bureaucratic machinery.
Highlighting the accessibility of elected officials compared to bureaucrats, Choudhary noted that citizens feel more comfortable engaging with their representatives, who are committed to serving their communities. “When the LG visits, roads are sealed and forces are deployed. But we go among our people without fear,” he said.
Choudhary praised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as a “polished and down-to-earth leader,” asserting that his leadership is crucial for navigating current challenges in JK. He said that any attempts to undermine the people’s mandate would ultimately fail, “We are protected by the people and by God.”
The Deputy Chief Minister further warned that continued interference in the functioning of the elected government could lead to public protests. “We are not afraid… if necessary, we will fight for our people by taking to the streets,” he said, adding that the current government was elected as a rejection of years of misrule.
Choudhary while calling for the urgent restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that such a move is essential for ensuring governance that accurately reflects the desires of the populace and ends what he termed a “spoilt system” and “proxy rule.”
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