SRINAGAR, September 23, 2025: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Tuesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to continue working for the rights of the people despite operating under what he termed as “limited powers.”
Speaking to reporters in Ganderbal district, Choudhary said that while some sections wanted the elected government to resign, the National Conference (NC)-led administration would not abandon its responsibilities.
“There are some people who want us to resign. But we are not among those who run away. We are workers of Sher-e-Kashmir, we will struggle and fight for the rights of the people. We will not show our backs,” he asserted.
‘Limited Powers Under UT Governance’
Choudhary explained that the absence of full statehood and the dual governance system — comprising both an elected government and an appointed administration — posed serious limitations.
“We do not have a state government. The gift we got from the PDP in the past, the special status and statehood we lost because of the PDP, has resulted in a UT government with limited resources and limited powers,” he said.
Commitment to NC’s Promises
The DyCM said that despite challenges, the NC government is determined to fulfill the promises made by NC president Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
“We have been given a mandate for five years, not ten months. Judge us at the end of the term for our promises — not prematurely,” he added.
Focus on Statehood & Article 35A
Choudhary also revealed that the issues of statehood restoration and Article 35A were discussed in the cabinet meeting held earlier in the day.
“We have reiterated our stand on statehood. Leave aside statehood, the LG sahib seems to have slept over the business rules. These questions are genuine, but people must understand the circumstances we are going through,” he remarked.
Criticism of PDP-BJP Era
Taking a dig at the opposition, Choudhary accused the PDP-BJP coalition government (2015–2018) of neglecting development in Jammu and Kashmir.
“They claim to have done much for road widening and connectivity. If so, why are people still stuck in traffic jams? We are not going to sit idle because the PDP, BJP, or LG administration failed in the past,” he said.
✅ Key Highlights:
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DyCM rules out resignation despite political pressure
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Blames PDP for loss of statehood and special status
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NC govt vows to fulfill promises within its 5-year term
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Cabinet reiterates stand on Statehood & Article 35A
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Strong criticism of PDP-BJP’s governance record
