- Says religion must remain above politics; calls for an impartial Election Commission and questions CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s continuation amid protests.
Ganderbal| Oct, 14 : Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday said no political party has the right to interfere in the religious affairs of any community, asserting that religion must remain above politics.
Speaking to reporters in Ganderbal during his visit to the Mata Kheer Bhawani temple amid Navratri celebrations, Choudhary said the country’s strength lies in its religious diversity, communal harmony and spirit of brotherhood.
“Whether it is Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism or Christianity, no political party has the right to interfere in the religious affairs of any community or impose its will upon it,” he said, commenting on the controversy surrounding Friday sermons and the Waqf Board.
Choudhary said he would not comment at length on the Waqf Board issue, noting that National Conference spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq had already issued a statement on the matter.
Emphasising the need to preserve communal harmony, the Deputy Chief Minister said Jammu and Kashmir was known for its brotherhood and hospitality. He prayed for peace, prosperity and the well-being of people across the region, irrespective of their religion or community.
Describing Ganderbal as fortunate for being home to the Mata Kheer Bhawani shrine, Choudhary said the blessings of the Mother belonged to everyone.
On protests against the Election Commission of India and the demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, Choudhary questioned why he had not stepped down amid the allegations raised by protesters.
“If you believe that Gyanesh Kumar should resign, then he should resign. Why is he not doing so?” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said young people were raising concerns over unemployment, recruitment opportunities and alleged irregularities in the electoral process. He criticised the handling of the protests, alleging that demonstrators were being subjected to force instead of having their concerns addressed.
Choudhary also condemned the reported use of derogatory remarks against Generation Z, saying young people were the future of the country and their concerns deserved to be heard.
Referring to constitutional rights, he said citizens must be allowed to express their views and hold peaceful protests, adding that the rights to freedom of expression and protest were essential to a functioning democracy.
Calling for greater accountability, Choudhary said the Election Commission of India must be transparent, impartial and credible to maintain public confidence in the electoral process.
He said addressing concerns over electoral transparency was essential for strengthening democracy in Jammu and Kashmir and the country as a whole.
