Srinagar 23 September :- Jammu and Kashmir’s Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, on Tuesday said that the elected government in the Union Territory is working with “limited powers” but is committed to struggling for the people’s rights despite several challenges.
Defying demands that his government step down, Choudhary insisted, “We are not among those who run away,” and pledged to carry on with the struggle. He credited the restrictions to the loss of statehood, which he blamed the PDP for creating, resulting in a “dual governance system” where an appointed government restricts the freedom of the elected government.
While recognizing challenges in implementing election vows, Choudhary ensured that the National Conference government is making an effort to solve people’s issues and will complete all party leaders’ promises within its term of five years.
On the main matters of statehood and Article 35A, he confirmed that they were taken up in a cabinet meeting, but indicated that progress was stalled, saying the Lieutenant Governor has “slept over the business rules.” He also blamed the erstwhile PDP-BJP coalition government for ignoring actual development in the region.