SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday said that instead of repeatedly disrupting the Assembly, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) should clarify whether it raised the issues of salary hikes and regularisation of Special Police Officers (SPOs) with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Speaking to reporters, Choudhary said SPOs have been demanding regularisation and better pay for the last ten years, despite playing a key role in the fight against militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. “These are the issues that should be discussed in the House, but BJP members seem more interested in media attention than addressing people’s problems,” he said.
“BJP legislators entered the House only to create disturbances and did not speak about vital issues like electricity, water, schools, roads, hospitals, unemployment, or the concerns of daily wage workers,” the Deputy Chief Minister alleged.
“We have formed a committee to look into regularising daily wagers, but BJP continues to ignore these matters,” he added.
Choudhary said the Speaker had already given his ruling and the House must function according to the Constitution. “Still, we hope for a meaningful session. But looking at their behaviour, BJP members are likely to continue the disruption,” he said.
He further said that young people in Jammu and Kashmir are performing well in sports, especially in rural areas, yet no one, including BJP leaders, is addressing their needs. “This House belongs to the people. It is not a party meeting. Elected representatives must use this platform to raise the people’s voice,” he said.
Asked about extending the session, he said the decision rests with the Speaker. “I am the Deputy CM, but I am also an elected MLA. I want to speak for my people,” he said.
Choudhary stated that everyone in a democracy has the right to speak, but BJP tries to suppress that voice inside and outside the House. “They’ve never succeeded in doing that,” he added. (KNO)
