BJP bid to dissolve Omar Abdullah-led govt would murder democracy: J&K Deputy CM

J&K Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary hit back at the BJP's demand to dismiss Omar Abdullah's government, accusing it of undermining democracy and constitutional processes. He also criticised the BJP over Assembly disruptions and alleged attempts to obstruct the elected government.

In Short

• BJP legislators sought the government's dismissal after the statehood resolution move
• Choudhary said only voters, not rivals, could unseat the administration
• He accused the opposition of preferring confrontation over legislative work

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Saturday accused the BJP of attempting to undermine the elected government and said any effort to interfere with its functioning would amount to "murder" of democracy and the Constitution.

Choudhary questioned the BJP’s demand for the dismissal of the Omar Abdullah-led government, saying the administration was elected by the people. “If anyone can dissolve us, it is only those who elected us,” he told reporters after reviewing the progress of work at the new legislative assembly complex.

His remarks came a day after BJP MLAs led by Sham Lal Sharma demanded the dismissal of the government, alleging that the National Conference-Congress administration had crossed its constitutional limits through a resolution moved in the Assembly. Sharma alleged that the resolution sought to revive issues related to autonomy and the pre-1953 constitutional arrangement.

Reacting to the demand, Choudhary asked how the BJP could seek the dismissal of a government elected by the people. He alleged that any attempt to use force or coercion to interfere with the government would amount to an assault on democratic and constitutional processes.

Choudhary also accused the BJP of being “anti-democracy, anti-constitutional and anti-public”, alleging that its actions and statements were against public interests. “When you oppose a government elected by the people, you are going against those who voted for it,” he said.

He also criticised the BJP over its conduct during the ongoing autumn session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, alleging that the opposition was more interested in confrontation than raising public issues. BJP members have disrupted proceedings during the session, including protests after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah moved a resolution seeking the restoration of full statehood.

“If the BJP is honest, let it tell us what work it has done in the last three days of the Assembly session in the interest of the people,” Choudhary said, alleging that the party was carrying “bundles of lies”.

He said the BJP could try to corner the government on social media but should instead raise issues on the floor of the House, where they could be debated through the constitutional process.

On restoration of statehood, Choudhary said the absence of statehood had weakened the ability of people to have their grievances addressed. He also accused the BJP of using police and resorting to what he called “hooliganism” against poor people, shopkeepers and journalists, while alleging that journalists faced pressure over critical reports.

“If statehood is restored, I can say with confidence that these things will not continue,” he said.

The deputy chief minister further alleged that journalists, employees, farmers and students were being prevented from speaking freely. He also accused the BJP of seeking to impose “Army rule” across the country and described its approach as “hooliganism”.

- Ends