Examiner Bureau | Jammu :
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday said the Congress is expected to join the National Conference (NC)-led government in the Union Territory soon, describing the move as a natural progression of the alliance between the two parties.
Speaking to reporters, Choudhary said the National Conference had wanted the Congress to become part of the government ever since the coalition was formed, adding that the final decision had always rested with the Congress leadership.
“From the very beginning, after the alliance was formed and the government came into existence, it was our desire that the Congress should join the government. The decision was for the Congress to make, and now it is taking that decision. I believe everyone should welcome it because Congress is our alliance partner,” he said.
He said the inclusion of the Congress in the Council of Ministers would further strengthen the government and enhance its ability to serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“If Congress joins the government, the administration will function with greater strength. Together, we will be able to work more effectively for the welfare and development of the people,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.
Responding to questions about the number of ministerial berths that could be offered to the Congress, Choudhary dismissed speculation over political bargaining and said the alliance was based on mutual trust rather than inducements.
“We are not the BJP. We do not believe in horse-trading or bringing people into government through temptation. These are relationships of trust and shared commitment, and such decisions are taken in the interest of the people,” he said.
He maintained that as an alliance partner, the Congress had every right to become part of the government if it chose to do so.
Launching a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Choudhary accused it of failing to address what he termed long-standing discrimination against the Jammu region.
He questioned why, according to him, Jammu had not been adequately represented in top academic and institutional positions despite having qualified professionals.
“Is it not discrimination that professors from Jammu are not becoming Vice-Chancellors? Are doctors from Jammu not capable enough to become Directors of AIIMS, IIMs or IITs?” he asked.
The Deputy Chief Minister urged the media to question the BJP on issues affecting Jammu rather than focusing on political speculation surrounding the National Conference.
“Ask the BJP why discrimination against Jammu has not ended. These are the real issues that deserve attention,” he said.
Choudhary also alleged that Jammu’s industrial sector had failed to benefit from the Centre’s much-publicised industrial package for the Union Territory.
Referring to the ₹28,000-crore industrial package, he questioned whether existing industries in Jammu had received any meaningful support.
“Visit Gangyal, Bari Brahmana, Samba, Kathua or any of our industrial estates and ask the entrepreneurs whether the old industries have benefited from this package. The answer is no,” he claimed.
He said the government was committed to creating a stronger environment for industry, employment and economic growth in the region.
The Deputy Chief Minister also defended the Omar Abdullah government’s stand on the recent electricity tariff revision, arguing that the increase should be viewed in the context of previous hikes under the BJP-PDP administration.
“Compare the last 10 to 12 years. See how much electricity tariffs were increased during the BJP’s tenure and how high power bills had become,” he said.
He also referred to the government’s electricity amnesty measures and said the opposition was ignoring broader issues affecting ordinary households.
Highlighting inflation and the rising cost of essential commodities, Choudhary said the biggest concern for common people was the increasing burden of everyday expenses.
“Ask the BJP how much sugar costs today, how much pulses cost, and what people are paying for vegetables and onions. A poor family worries about the price of basic necessities, not political slogans,” he said.
He also criticised the rise in education and healthcare expenses, saying families across Jammu and Kashmir were struggling with increasing fees in educational institutions and the cost of medical treatment.
On the political future of Jammu and Kashmir, Choudhary reiterated the National Conference’s commitment to the restoration of Article 370, special constitutional status and full statehood.
“We remain committed to restoring Article 370, bringing back Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and ensuring that the land and jobs of our people are protected,” he said.
He argued that the BJP had itself assured Parliament in 2019 that the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, including protection of land and employment opportunities, would be safeguarded.
“These commitments were made by the BJP itself. They now have a responsibility to explain what happened to those promises,” Choudhary said.
His remarks come amid growing political discussions over a possible expansion of the Omar Abdullah-led Council of Ministers, with speculation intensifying over the Congress formally joining the National Conference-led coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir.
