Srinagar, Nov 08: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Saturday said the National Conference (NC) would win both seats if “vote chori” (vote theft) does not take place, asserting that his government is focused on work, not self-praise.
During his visit to the Nowgam Flyover and Pirpagh–Rangreth link road in Srinagar, Choudhary reviewed the ongoing developmental works and directed officials and contractors to ensure completion by November 15.
Speaking to reporters at the site, the Deputy CM said the National Conference would win both seats if votes aren’t stolen, adding that the J&K government is focused on performance rather than publicity.
Our government is “committed to its word” and will not indulge in empty praise. “We won’t become ‘miya mithu’ (self-appreciative). The work will speak for itself,” he said.
Responding to political criticism, Choudhary said the people of Naushera have already made their decision through the ballot box. “The people of Naushera have decided who they wanted. Whether I am right or wrong will be judged by them,” he said. “If someone in a high office cannot work for Naushera, he should at least try to. I am trying to deliver, while some people are trying to stop progress. If doing work is a crime, I will keep committing it.”
When asked about Srinagar’s traffic issues, he said new projects are under active consideration. “Until a project is approved, I cannot promise anything. Once decisions are taken and projects are cleared, we will share the details,” he added.
On corruption in public works, the Deputy CM issued a stern warning to officials. “Let me be clear, whether an officer is posted in Naushera or anywhere in Jammu and Kashmir, if there is tampering in tendering or wrongful allotments, that officer will not be spared,” he said.
Choudhary further said that those working relentlessly on the ground deserve recognition for keeping projects on track despite years of delay. “Our engineers and contractors deserve appreciation; they have been working continuously for months. The deadline we have given is November 15, and the work is already underway,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister also took stock of repair and macadamisation works near the Cooperative Colony Bridge and directed that completed stretches be opened to traffic at the earliest.
It is pertinent to mention that during an earlier inspection of the Sanat Nagar Flyover, the Deputy CM had warned the contractor of blacklisting if the project was not completed by the November 15 deadline and had also ordered a probe into rupees 23 crore payments released despite the work remaining incomplete—(KNO)
