Srinagar: Ministers in J&K government came under sharp criticism from MLAs of the ruling National Conference as well as independent legislators during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday with the Deputy CM being slammed for distribution of funds by the Roads & Buildings Ministry as well as his behaviour with legislators.
Contrary to speculation, 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 and other pressing issues.
As per reports 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 the R&B Minister as well as Choudhary’s behaviour with them,” sources said.
According to sources, MLAs-particularly from Pir Panchal-targeted the Deputy CM for allocating a lion’s share of funds and 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.
Legislators from the Valley also accused the Deputy CM of misbehaviour with them.
“I would have thrown him out of the window for his rude behaviour. I refrained from acting against him only in the larger interests of the party. Who is he to tell me that he will have me expelled from the party?” a legislator from Kashmir Valley is understood to have told the CM.
They also alleged that there had been discrimination with them in fund allocation by the R&B Department. “He should be sacked,” one legislator demanded.
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).
“He is working to defeat me in the next election,” one MLA from Pir Panchal is alleged to have said about Rana.
Repeated attempts to seek comments from these ministers proved futile.
