Ganderbal, Oct 14: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday said political parties should not interfere in religious matters, asserting that faith must remain above political considerations.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal, Choudhary also defended protests in New Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, calling for transparency and accountability in democratic institutions.
Responding to the controversy over religious directives, the Deputy Chief Minister said no political party had the right to dictate matters of faith, irrespective of whether it concerned Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism or Christianity.
Condemning the alleged use of force and baton charges against protesters in the national capital, Choudhary said the Constitution guaranteed freedom of speech and the right to peaceful assembly.
He said demands for Kumar’s resignation over allegations concerning the functioning of democratic institutions called for accountability and transparency.
“To strengthen democracy in Jammu and Kashmir and across the nation, we must ensure a transparent, vibrant and impartial Election Commission. You cannot silence young people with force,” Choudhary said.
Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister, accompanied by senior officials, reviewed various developmental projects in Ganderbal.
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