Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 9: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary today stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is solely focused on power rather than the welfare of the people of J&K.
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He also noted that Home Minister Amit Shah has not condemned the Assembly’s resolution seeking special status for J&K.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the Water Supply Scheme at Sopore’s Fruit Mandi, Asia’s second-largest fruit marketplace, the Deputy Chief Minister said the Government had hoped the BJP would address the issues of the common people in the Assembly, but they did the opposite.
“We thought the BJP would talk about issues like illegal mining, challenges faced by ASHA and Anganwadi workers, and daily wagers. We expected them to raise concerns about scams in the smart city projects or advocate for better healthcare. But they have no concern for the people; they are only after power,” he said.
The Deputy CM added that Home Minister Amit Shah himself has stated that jobs and land in J&K belong to its people and has not condemned the resolution passed by the Assembly.
“The Home Minister has not condemned our resolution, which demands the restoration of J&K’s special status,” he said.
He further stated that the National Conference (NC) had promised special status, and in the first cabinet meeting, a resolution for Statehood was passed and sent to the Government.
“In the Assembly held after six years, we passed a resolution for special status in the first sitting. We want our jobs and lands to remain secure, and only the NC can ensure that,” he added.
The Deputy CM urged people to trust their elected leaders, assuring them that all promises would be fulfilled.
“At the same time, you must remain united, as there are those who want to mislead you. If any party can amplify the people’s voice, it is the NC.”
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Minister for Jal Shakti, Forests, and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmad Rana, Minister for Agricultural Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Javid Ahmad Dar, and MLA Sopore Irshad Ahmad Kar.
This critical infrastructure, constructed under the PMDP at a cost of Rs. 6.37 crore, will now ensure clean and safe drinking water for thousands of traders, workers, and visitors who frequent the mandi.
In his address, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the importance of essential services like clean drinking water in such a large trading hub.
He noted that the Water Supply Scheme is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to support economic growth by improving basic infrastructure.
Surinder Choudhary stressed that this Water Supply Scheme will not only provide clean drinking water to the Mandi but also enhance the quality of life for thousands who work there daily.
In his remarks, Javed Ahmad Rana stated that the Water Supply Scheme addresses long-standing needs within the mandi, reflecting the Jal Shakti department’s commitment to public welfare.
He also acknowledged the importance of clean water access in reducing health risks and supporting productivity in the state’s agricultural hubs.
Minister of Agricultural Production Javid Ahmad Dar echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the water supply project is crucial for the welfare of traders and labourers who rely heavily on this hub for their livelihoods.
Later, the Deputy CM and other Ministers engaged with the public in an interactive session, during which the President of Sopore Fruit Mandi raised issues concerning the macadamization of internal roads within the Sopore Fruit Mandi, the construction of a truck yard, the Mazbugh Bridge, the widening of the Ladoora-Sopore Fruit Mandi Road, the paving of a private shopping complex, street lighting, and other development needs.
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Minga Sherpa, Chief Engineer PHE Kashmir Vivek Kholi, Director Horticulture Kashmir Zahoor Ahmad, ADC Sopore S.A. Raina, and President of Sopore Fruit Mandi Fayaz Ahmad Malik, along with members of civil society and other senior officers, were also present during the inauguration.
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