Anantnag, Jul 27 (KNO): Asserting that National Conference led government remains fully committed to fulfilling every promise made to the people, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday said that the present dispensation would not use the Union Territory status as an excuse for non-performance.
Talking to reporters in this South Kashmir District, Choudhary, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “We are fully committed to fulfilling every promise made to the people during the Assembly elections.”
He said, “The government is working with dedication despite constitutional and administrative limitations following the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir.”
"We will not use the Union Territory status as an excuse. Our government is committed to fulfilling every promise made to the people. The commitments made during the election campaign will be implemented one by one," he said.
Referring to the recent visit of the National Conference leadership to New Delhi, the Deputy Chief Minister said the delegation had gone to remind the Government of India about the assurances made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. "We were waiting for the promises made by the Government of India to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to be fulfilled. Since that did not happen, we went to Delhi to strongly press for our legitimate demands," Choudhary said, reiterating that restoration of the rights and aspirations of the people remains the government's priority.
Launching a scathing attack on the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Choudhary alleged that the party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were on the same page on several issues. "The PDP did not join us in Delhi because it is on the same page as the BJP. Their political approach has become evident to the people," he claimed.
On the controversy surrounding the singing of Vande Mataram, the Deputy Chief Minister appealed against politicising the national song, saying it represents the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters belonging to all religions and communities.
"Vande Mataram should not be politicised. People from every religion and every community laid down their lives for India's freedom. We must respect that shared legacy instead of creating divisions," he said.
Choudhary also stressed that the National Conference government would not allow anyone to disturb the communal harmony that has long been a hallmark of Jammu and Kashmir.
"We will not allow anyone to weaken the brotherhood and communal harmony of Jammu and Kashmir. Peace and unity are essential for the progress and prosperity of the region," he added.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to its electoral agenda, the Deputy Chief Minister said the National Conference would continue to work towards fulfilling its promises in a phased manner while safeguarding the interests and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)