Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, (DD): Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday slammed BJP legislators for repeated disruptions in the Legislative Assembly, challenging them to clarify whether they ever raised the issues of salary hikes and regularisation of Special Police Officers (SPOs) with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Choudhary said the SPOs, who have been vital in combating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, have been seeking regular jobs and fair pay for over a decade. “Rather than addressing these demands in the House, BJP members seem more focused on theatrics and grabbing headlines,” he said.
He accused the BJP of ignoring key public issues such as electricity, water, education, roads, health care, unemployment, and the demands of daily wage workers. “They come into the House to create noise, not to serve the people,” Choudhary said.
The Deputy CM also said that a committee has already been formed to look into the regularisation of daily wagers. “But BJP’s indifference to this issue shows their priorities lie elsewhere,” he added.
Emphasizing the need for a constructive session, Choudhary said the Assembly must function as per the Speaker’s rulings and constitutional norms. “Despite the disruptions, we still hope for meaningful discussions—but judging by their conduct, BJP seems set on disruption.”
He further praised the performance of J&K’s youth in sports, especially in rural areas, lamenting that their aspirations are not being discussed. “This House belongs to the people, not to a political party. Elected leaders must speak for their constituents, not for their party’s agenda,” he said.
On a question about extending the Assembly session, Choudhary said the final decision rests with the Speaker. “As Deputy CM and an MLA, it’s my duty to speak up for my people,” he added.
He concluded by stating that BJP’s attempts to silence opposition voices—both inside and outside the Assembly—have always failed and will continue to do so.(DD)
