Srinagar, June 24: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Tuesday said that the Omar Abdullah-led government is making consistent and determined efforts to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and its special constitutional status, which were revoked in August 2019.
“We are not here to play politics with people’s emotions. We are here to fulfill what we promised: statehood, special status, dignity, and development. That is the path Omar Abdullah is walking,” he said.
Taking a direct swipe at the opposition, especially the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Deputy CM claimed that none of the BJP candidates won the recent Assembly elections based on public mandate alone.
“I strongly believe that a narco test should be conducted on all BJP MLAs, including their Leader of the Opposition. Let the people see the truth behind their words and actions,” he said.
Choudhary said that within just eight months in office, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has been able to get key developmental projects approved that had been pending for years.
“From restoring infrastructure to rebuilding trust, this government is taking meaningful steps every day. We are here to serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir, not ourselves,” he added.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Choudhary expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for the Centre’s approval of 19 crucial road and tunnel projects worth ₹10,637 crore for Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the clearances were the result of sustained efforts by the Chief Minister, who visited New Delhi multiple times in the past eight months to push for these long-awaited infrastructure initiatives.
“These projects reflect the seriousness and sincerity of the Omar Abdullah government. Unlike those who travelled to Delhi in the past to justify the downgrading of J&K into a Union Territory, our Chief Minister went there to bring development and dignity back to our people,” Choudhary said.
He added that the cleared projects include major tunnels and road sections that will significantly reduce travel time, ensure all-weather access, and unlock economic potential in some of the most remote and border-connected regions
