Questions BJP Over Rohingyas, Liquor Shops; Raises Jammu Representation in Universities, AIIMS, IITs and IIMs
JAMMU, AUGUST 22:
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Saturday questioned the BJP over its claims of being “clean,” asking why Rohingyas were not sent out during the party’s years in power and why liquor shops came up near religious places and educational institutions.
Speaking in Jammu, Choudhary said the BJP had been in power for around 12 years and should answer questions concerning the presence of Rohingyas and the establishment of liquor outlets near schools, temples, mosques and gurdwaras.
“These BJP people claim to be clean. They have been in power for 12 years, so why did they not send the Rohingyas out?” the Deputy Chief Minister said.
He further questioned the BJP over the establishment of liquor shops, asking whether such outlets came up during the BJP’s tenure or under the present government.
‘Why No Jammu Vice-Chancellor or AIIMS Director?’
The Deputy Chief Minister also raised concerns over the representation of Jammu in major educational and medical institutions.
Referring to his remarks made on August 15, Choudhary said Jammu and Kashmir has five universities, yet not a single vice-chancellor is from Jammu.
He also questioned why the Director of AIIMS and officials in institutions such as IIMs and IITs were not from Jammu.
“Are our doctors and professors so incompetent that no one from Jammu can become a vice-chancellor or AIIMS director?” he asked.
Choudhary also asked the BJP to clarify who appoints vice-chancellors in universities.
‘Panchayat Elections Meaningless Without Statehood’
On the proposed Panchayat elections, the Deputy Chief Minister said holding the elections would not serve their intended purpose unless full statehood is restored to Jammu and Kashmir.
He argued that when even the elected government does not have complete powers under the present administrative arrangement, elected Panchayats would also face limitations in effectively executing development works.
Choudhary said restoration of statehood was essential to ensure that elected representatives at all levels have meaningful powers to implement developmental programmes and address public issues.
Visits Gandhi Nagar Government Hospital
The Deputy Chief Minister also visited Gandhi Nagar Government Hospital in Jammu on Saturday and took stock of the healthcare facilities and arrangements there.
During the visit, he interacted with officials and reviewed the functioning of the hospital and the facilities being provided to patients.
Choudhary said strengthening public healthcare infrastructure and ensuring better services for people remained an important priority of the government.