Budgam, Oct 23 (KNO): Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary on Friday criticised what he described as a section of the media targeting the National Conference (NC) government while failing to question the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on issues of public importance, saying journalists had a responsibility to fulfil their role and question those in power fairly.
"Some journalists were attacking the government but not raising questions on electoral integrity, unemployment and other concerns," he said, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme in Beerwah.
Describing the media as the fourth pillar of democracy and a builder of the nation, he, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said journalists must question those in power fairly.
Turning to the BJP, Chaudhary questioned the party over alleged vote theft and said the allegations of electoral irregularities raised serious concerns about the country's democratic institutions and Constitution. He questioned Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the issue of electoral integrity, saying the alleged vote theft was not merely an electoral matter but an interference with the country's democracy.
"Vote theft is not just vote theft; it is interference with the democracy of India, which was achieved through the sacrifices of millions. It is interference with the Constitution of India," he said.
The Deputy CM said the BJP should answer questions concerning electoral transparency and democracy instead of diverting attention from issues affecting the public. He said unemployment remained a major concern, with young people across Jammu and Kashmir and the country demanding jobs and employment opportunities, and questioned why youth were repeatedly travelling to Delhi and asking for employment. The BJP, he said, needed to answer their concerns.
"Young people are seeking transparency in examinations, including NEET and recruitment tests," Chaudhary said, alleging that irregularities had affected their trust in the system. "The BJP should be questioned over employment and examination-related issues rather than diverting attention from the concerns of young people," he said.
On development, the Deputy CM said approximately Rs 100 crore worth of works were underway in the Beerwah constituency, crediting local MLA Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani for his efforts and dedication. "The people have elected an honest leader, and that is why development is taking place," he said.
He said development takes time, adding that Jammu and Kashmir was presently a Union Territory and faced several challenges and difficulties. "Despite these challenges, the National Conference government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was making every effort to fulfil the promises made to the people," he said.
The Deputy CM said the government was working honestly and that people should assess its performance, adding that while the government did not claim to have achieved everything, it could not be given zero marks for doing nothing. He said the NC government would be judged by the people on the basis of its performance and fulfilment of manifesto commitments. "The people have voted for us, and we will fulfil our manifesto. Our test will be when people vote again," Chaudhary said—(KNO)