Srinagar, Sept 24: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday questioned the BJP over the delay in restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, while also seeking answers on its earlier promises relating to jobs and black money.
Speaking to the media, Choudhary said the National Conference had made a five-year commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and that the government should be questioned on the promises made during that period.
“Instead of asking us questions, ask the BJP about its promises,” Choudhary said.
On restoration of statehood, the Deputy Chief Minister recalled the BJP’s stated sequence of delimitation, elections and then statehood, and asked why the promise had not been fulfilled.
“Two years have passed. They made this promise in Parliament and before the Supreme Court. Ask them to fulfil their promise,” he said.
Choudhary also raised the issue of employment, referring to the BJP’s 2014 promise of creating two crore jobs and asking what share of those promised jobs had accrued to Jammu and Kashmir.
He further questioned the BJP over its earlier promise of depositing Rs 15 lakh in people’s bank accounts, asking what happened to the commitment linked to black money.
The Deputy Chief Minister accused the BJP of misleading people and highlighted what he described as the National Conference’s contribution to Jammu and Kashmir since 1947.
“Whatever you see in Jammu and Kashmir today is the contribution of the National Conference. It is the contribution of Sher-e-Kashmir, Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah,” he said.
Choudhary also raised questions about the Election Commission of India, referring to concerns he said had been raised by members of the poll panel itself.
“This is not an allegation made by any political party or the Opposition. Two of the Election Commission’s own colleagues have raised questions,” he said.
