Deputy CM demands probe into Rs 28,400 cr Industrial package

Srinagar, Oct 16: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday demanded a probe to ascertain the status of the Rs 28,400 crore industrial package allocated to the Union Territory.

Speaking to reporters, he claimed that industrialists in both Jammu and Kashmir have raised concerns that they have not received any benefits under the scheme.

“You should ask the Leader of Opposition, Sunil Sharma of BJP, you should ask the LG administration, PDP—what happened to this package? Where is the money, and what happened to the land allocated for industries?” Choudhary said, demanding immediate action and transparency. He also alleged that his security was downgraded on the day he raised these questions.

While addressing the media, Choudhary outlined the National Conference’s plans to present a detailed report card of its performance after completing its five-year term. “After completing our term, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and the entire cabinet will sit with the media. We will show our manifesto in one hand and our achievements in the other. Whatever was left incomplete by the BJP, PDP, and the LG administration, we will finish,” he said.

Choudhary criticised the previous BJP-PDP coalition and the current LG administration for allegedly wasting public resources and leaving key developmental projects incomplete. He cited examples such as the community hall in Hyderpora, started in 2016 at a cost of Rs 5 crore, and the Natipura housing community hall launched in 2018 for Rs 2 crore, both still unfinished. He also mentioned a bridge in Gahama, Ganderbal, hanging mid-way and delays in hospital and building projects in Bemina and Kupwara.

He questioned the functioning of Raj Bhawan, asking why projects initiated before 2019 remain pending and who is accountable for the wastage of public funds. Choudhary also accused BJP leader Sunil Sharma of defending the administration instead of acting as a genuine opposition leader. He alleged a covert understanding between BJP and PDP, claiming that statements issued by party leaders reflect coordinated efforts rather than independent political action.

Highlighting issues of unemployment and transparency, Choudhary demanded answers regarding the regularisation of daily wagers, Rehbar-e-Khel, Rehbar-e-Ziraat, firemen, and the Sub-Inspector recruitment scam report.

Expressing solidarity with journalists, he praised the media for standing firm despite harassment. He reaffirmed the NC’s commitment to safeguarding Jammu and Kashmir’s identity, citing Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s historical choice to remain with India.

Choudhary concluded with a challenge to political opponents and the administration: “Ask me after five years—I will answer every question. But today, ask the LG and Raj Bhawan what they did in the past eleven years. Why are so many promises still lying unfulfilled?”