SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP, accusing it of spreading “lies” about the performance of the elected government in the Union Territory.
Reacting to criticism from the BJP over the pace of development in J&K, Choudhary said there was no point in responding to what he termed false claims.
“What does BJP stand for? ‘Bharat Ki Sabse Badi Jhoothi Party’ (India’s biggest liar party). They continuously tarnish India’s name through their lies, so there is no point in responding to their claims,” he told reporters here.
Choudhary, who left the BJP and joined the National Conference in 2023, challenged BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma to explain why several senior officers from Jammu and Kashmir have been posted outside the Union Territory.
He also questioned whether local IAS and IPS officers were being given adequate opportunities to hold senior positions in J&K.
“Do we not have local IPS officers from Kashmir or Jammu capable of serving as Director General? They have been sent outside. Why does Sunil Sharma remain silent on this?” he asked.
The deputy chief minister also raised questions over the transfer of IAS officers from J&K and sought greater representation for local officers in senior administrative positions.
Choudhary then turned his criticism towards Jammu University, saying its standing had declined compared to earlier years.
Recalling the tenure of Kashmiri Pandit academic Amitabh Mattoo as vice-chancellor, he questioned why local professors were not being considered for such senior academic positions.
“I am not saying the current vice-chancellor is not capable. But don’t our local professors aspire to become vice-chancellors?” he said.
On the BJP’s allegations regarding development, Choudhary said the government’s performance could be assessed through official data.
He suggested comparing the number of roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) during the present government’s tenure with those built during the previous administration.
“Our government was formed in 2024; file an RTI and check how many PMGSY roads were constructed under us compared to what they accomplished in 12 years,” he said.
He also called for a comparison of roads sanctioned under NABARD and said his assessment was limited to the Public Works Department sector.
Describing the BJP’s approach in J&K as “hit and run”, Choudhary alleged that the party had failed to deliver on the ground.
“The BJP in Jammu and Kashmir is a complete failure, a flop show, just like Jaspal Bhatti’s ‘Flop Show’; they are all talk and no action,” he said.
On Congress’ criticism of the National Conference over the performance of the full national song at the inauguration of the International Film Festival, Choudhary said an unnecessary controversy had been created over the issue.
