MLAs of the ruling National Conference as well as independent legislators supporting the government gunned for Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Dachigam on Wednesday, accusing him of biased allocation of funds in the key Roads & Buildings Department headed by him.
Contrary to speculations, governance-particularly the functioning of ministers-dominated discussions during the seven-hour-long meeting, even as some MLAs spoke about expediting efforts for restoration of statehood.
Sources confirmed that legislators from both NC and independents questioned the functioning of the Roads & Buildings Department under the Deputy CM’s control.
“Most of the MLAs expressed resentment over discriminatory allocations made by R&B Minister as well as his behavior with them,” sources said.
According to sources, MLAs-particularly from Pir Panchal-targeted the Deputy CM for allocating lion’s share in funds/projects to the Nowshera Assembly segment while leaving other constituencies with meagre amounts.
Citing figures of distribution of funds under NABARD, SASCI, Capex bridge programme and other schemes, the MLAs alleged that the Deputy CM had resorted to brazen discrimination in fund allotment.
Sources said Aijaz Jan (MLA Poonch Haveli), Javaid Choudhary (MLA Budhal), Muzaffar Khan (MLA Thanamandi), and Choudhary Akram (MLA Surankote) were vociferous against Surinder Choudhary, who also hails from Pir Panchal.
They added that MLAs from the Kashmir Valley, especially Javaid Baig (MLA Baramulla) and Ali Muhammad Dar (MLA Chadoora), also spoke against the functioning of Choudhary.
“They also alleged that there has been discrimination with them in fund allocation by R&B Department,” sources said adding that one legislator from Kashmir also demanded that he should be sacked.
According to sources, CM Omar Abdullah reportedly told the Deputy CM to address these complaints within one month.
Some MLAs also complained about the functioning of Javaid Rana (Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control) and Satish Sharma (Minister for CAPD & Youth Services and Sports).
Repeated attempts to seek comments of these ministers proved futile. The KNO will update their version or NC’s version on the matter as and when they are available to speak.
