Jammu, Oct 8: Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Surinder Chowdhary, launched a sharp attack on the administration on Wednesday, alleging that his security was curtailed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha after he “spoke the truth.” He accused the LG of centralizing power and obstructing democratic functioning by withholding key files and stalling government decisions.
While talking to reporters in Srinagar, Chowdhary said, “I am the son of a soldier; I am not afraid of anyone. My security was downgraded and my motorcade withdrawn just because I told the truth. Even during elections, I was forced to manage private security. Still, I will continue to speak openly, no one can silence me.”
The Deputy CM, as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust alleged that important files, including those related to business rules and the Advocate General’s office, were lying with the LG and had not been cleared. “I request the LG to return those files. Governance cannot function through anger or personal grudges,” he remarked.
Chowdhary also launched a scathing criticism of the BJP, saying the party “created a mess” in Jammu and Kashmir over the past 11 years. “The people of Jammu are frustrated. They want restoration of statehood. Whatever wrongs the BJP has committed in these years must be investigated,” he said.
He questioned the LG’s handling of law and order, referring to the recent Jammu Sainik Colony incident where a woman lost her life. “If the police work directly under the LG, why has no action been taken against the officers responsible in that case?” he asked.
The Deputy CM further claimed that promotions of 12 Superintending Engineers and 32 Civil Engineers had been stalled due to bureaucratic interference. “IAS officers are busy pleasing the LG instead of serving the people. Our patience is wearing thin now,” he warned.
Chowdhary appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to unite for their democratic rights and expressed hope that the Supreme Court would soon restore the Union Territory’s statehood. “We believe justice will prevail and J&K will regain its rightful status,” he said. [KNT]