Handwara, May 21: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on People’s Conference Chairman and MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone during his visit to Handwara Bus Stand, alleging that the former minister failed to address key public issues despite remaining in power alongside the BJP for several years.

Addressing media persons and party workers, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Sajad Gani Lone remained an ally of the BJP for nearly 12 years but did not struggle for the development of Handwara Bus Stand or other major public demands. He questioned why the BJP-led Central Government did not respond to Lone’s demands at that time, while criticizing the National Conference government for approaching Prime Minister Narendra Modi for developmental projects in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that the National Conference led government under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed to ground-level development and public welfare across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in both areas of Handwara and Kupwara.

Referring to the bridge inaugurated at Drugmulla, Surinder Choudhary said the project had remained pending for the last 14 years and was completed within a year after the formation of the NC government in the Union Territory. He termed it an example of the “work culture” of the National Conference government.

The Deputy CM also accused the PDP and People’s Conference of being responsible for the erosion of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status due to their alliance with the BJP. He said the NC has made immense sacrifices for the nation and does not need a certificate of nationalism from anyone.

Highlighting developmental works, he cited the completion of the Kamerwari-Srinagar bridge as another major achievement of the Omar Abdullah-led government. He assured the public that all promises mentioned in the National Conference election manifesto would be fulfilled.

Surinder Choudhary announced that the Handwara Bus Stand would be macadamized within the next seven days and directed the concerned departments to ensure quality work along with timely completion. He further stated that the Labour Department would identify a suitable location for the construction of a long passenger shed for commuters.

In a direct jibe at MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone, the Deputy Chief Minister alleged that Lone never approached or invited the government for developmental works in Handwara. However, he assured that all genuine public issues of the constituency would be resolved through the efforts of Rajya Sabha Member Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan.

The Deputy CM claimed that Rs 70 to 80 crore have been sanctioned by the National Conference leadership for various developmental projects in Handwara constituency.

Rajya Sabha Member Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan also criticized the developmental approach of the MLA Handwara, alleging that public issues were being ignored while visits were limited to formal engagements. He reiterated that the National Conference remains committed to the welfare and development of the people of Handwara.

Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister visited the residence of Member of Parliament Sheikh Abdul Rashid and MLA Langate Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh to offer condolences following the demise of their father. He was accompanied by Member of Parliament Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan and Uri MLA Sajjad Shafi.

Choudhary described the visit as a personal and humanitarian gesture, saying political leaders often stand with one another in times of grief irrespective of political affiliations. He prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear the loss.