SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Saturday criticised the BJP, questioning its commitment to the region and accusing it of neglecting the long-standing Darbar Move tradition during its tenure.
Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Choudhary asserted that while the National Conference has always ensured equal treatment for Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP failed to revive the biannual shifting of government offices over the past decade. “If they truly cared for Jammu, why didn’t they implement the Darbar Move in the last ten years? The National Conference has always upheld justice for Jammu,” he said.
The Darbar Move, a century-old practice dating back to the era of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, involves shifting government offices between Srinagar and Jammu to maintain regional balance. From May to October, the administration operates from Srinagar, while during the winter months, it functions from Jammu.
Choudhary emphasised that the suspension of the Darbar Move has harmed businesses in Jammu. “Had the Darbar Move continued, Jammu’s economy would have flourished. It was under National Conference governments that Jammu received its due share. Now, BJP leaders claim discrimination against Jammu, but these statements are merely for attention,“ he added.
He said that the National Conference remains committed to the region’s development and has always ensured fair treatment. [KNT]
