Kashmir Impulse Desk

Jammu, May 31

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Sunday said the meeting convened by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar on June 3 will focus on reviewing governance, assessing the performance of ministers and MLAs, and strengthening accountability within the government.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a double-lane bridge in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu, Choudhary said the meeting would be an exercise to “infuse and fix accountability” across the administration.

“It’s a good exercise. Accountability, whether it relates to ministers or MLAs, should be fixed. Our National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah and our Chief Minister believe that ministers are accountable, and that’s why they have called the meeting. They will ask ministers about their performance and that of departments under their charge. Similarly, the assessment of MLAs in their respective constituencies will be made,” he said.

Choudhary also said the issue of restoration of statehood remains central and continues to impact governance in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Statehood is a lingering issue which is obstructing governance. Jammu and Kashmir, given its topography and governance requirements, fits only as a state, but it gets funding as a Union Territory. Our hands are tied in governance matters. We cannot even appoint a daily wager. De-freezing of posts is a significant issue to be discussed,” he said.

Asked about recent remarks by the chief minister hinting at major developments after Eid-ul-Adha, Choudhary chose not to elaborate.

“The cloud bursts where it has to and when it has to. Just wait and watch what happens and when it happens,” he said.

Responding to Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, who recently predicted the collapse of the National Conference-led government, Choudhary dismissed the claim and countered with criticism of the BJP’s record while in power.

“This is not Uttar Pradesh or Bihar. This is Jammu and Kashmir, which has witnessed terrorism for decades. Every household has unemployed youth. People are looking for jobs, not counting down governments,” he said.

He questioned why BJP leaders, including Sharma during his tenure as sports minister, had failed to address demands of Rehbar-e-Khel workers seeking regularisation.

Choudhary also reiterated that the government remains focused on public welfare and infrastructure development across Jammu and Kashmir irrespective of political considerations.

Referring to the newly inaugurated bridge, he said the structure had remained neglected for a long time, causing inconvenience to residents of the area.

“People were forced to wade through the nullah in the absence of a bridge. This was a vital link for the Greater Kailash area. After taking office, I instructed officers to resume the work. I am happy it has now been completed,” he said.

He said that he does not believe in the “politics of plaques” and stressed that public works should be judged by benefit to people rather than political credit.

“Our politics should be based on work for the people, not slogans. Those who work for people will get votes next time. Those who do not will face the people’s verdict,” Choudhary said.