PDP leader Waheed ur Rehman Para has hit out at Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary, calling him a symbol of political opportunism who has repeatedly switched sides to serve his personal ambitions. Para highlighted Chaudhary’s history of attacking the National Conference (NC) and now shamelessly aligning himself with the very party he once called the “root of Kashmir’s problems.”
“Surinder Chaudhary’s political career is built on deception and betrayal. While in PDP, he vocally accused NC of selling out the people of J&K for over 70 years. When he joined the BJP, he doubled down on his rhetoric, labeling NC as the primary reason behind Kashmir’s turmoil. And today, he sits as Deputy Chief Minister at the mercy of Omar Abdullah, desperate to please his new boss and safeguard his chair,” Para said in a statement.
Para recalled how Chaudhary, during one of the most difficult phases in J&K’s history, stood by Mehbooba Mufti, praising her as the only leader “Iron Lady” who had the courage to speak for the rights of the people across the region. “He called Mehbooba Mufti a fearless leader who stood against injustice. When Article 370 was abrogated, it was Mehbooba Mufti who took the strongest stand and refused to bow down, becoming the longest-serving political prisoner of the Government of India post-August 5, 2019. Chaudhary was among those who admired her resilience. But today, the same Chaudhary is doing everything possible to discredit her, all because his survival now depends on appeasing Omar Abdullah,” he added.
The PDP leader further pointed out the hypocrisy of the NC leadership, noting that when the people of J&K expected Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah to raise their voices against the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, they instead chose to remain silent. “When people looked to them for leadership, they kept their voices low, prioritizing their comfort over the rights of J&K. In contrast, Mehbooba Mufti stood firm, despite facing prolonged detention, political persecution, and relentless attacks from the BJP. Even Chaudhary acknowledged her courage at the time but now, in his desperation to cling to power, he attacks the same leader he once praised,” Para stated.
Para also said that Chaudhary’s loyalty has never been to the people of J&K but to his own political survival. “His political journey is a lesson in betrayal he praised Mehbooba Mufti when he needed PDP, he hailed Modi Ji as a ‘Messiah’ when he sought BJP’s backing, and now he bows before Omar Abdullah to secure his position. This is not leadership, it is pure opportunism,” Para stated.
Para further alleged that Chaudhary has aligned himself with the liquor lobby, focusing more on safeguarding their interests rather than addressing the pressing issues of J&K. “At a time when people are struggling with economic distress, unemployment, and the consequences of political instability, he is busy strengthening his ties with the liquor mafia to secure his own position,” he added.
He further questioned whether Chaudhary has any principles left. “How can a man who accused NC of being the reason for Kashmir’s pain now sit comfortably in power under Omar Abdullah? How can a leader who once claimed Mehbooba Mufti was the only voice of the people now shamelessly attack her? The people of J&K deserve better than such dishonest and power-hungry politicians,” Para remarked.
Para emphasized that J&K needs leaders who stand by their principles and fight for the people, not those who sell their convictions to the highest bidder. “Surinder Chaudhary has proven time and again that his only commitment is to his own power. The people of J&K should not be fooled by his theatrics his actions speak louder than his words,” he said.
