Avinash Azad
Former Education Minister Harsh Dev Singh has accused Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary of orchestrating a violent attack against him during a visit to the Civil Secretariat in Jammu.
The alleged assault occurred when Singh attempted to submit a memorandum exposing corruption and negligence in road construction under Choudhary’s Public Works Department (PWD). Singh has since filed an FIR against the Deputy CM at Pacca Danga Police Station, demanding immediate action.
Speaking to journalists outside the station, Singh recounted the incident: “I went to submit a memorandum about the deplorable state of roads in Nagrota constituency—potholes knee-deep, 27-28 villages without access, and no action despite my earlier protest four months ago. I handed it to him politely. He threw it away and launched into abuses, targeting my mother and sister. When I objected to his language, he called his staff and security—around 20 people—who tore my shirt and manhandled me.”
Singh, an 18-year MLA and nationally recognized former minister, condemned Choudhary’s behavior as unfit for a public servant. “He shouted, ‘You protested outside my office four months ago.’ I told him protests are our constitutional right—people protest outside the Prime Minister’s office too. Why does a Deputy CM think he’s above accountability? If this is how they treat me, what happens to the common man?”
The memorandum highlighted alleged scams in PWD road projects, an issue Singh claims has been ignored despite prior warnings. “I asked why the department’s budget is being looted while roads rot. Instead of answers, I got violence,” he said. Singh has appealed to National Conference leaders Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah to rein in such ministers, warning that the incident sets a dangerous precedent.
Singh also raised concerns about his security, which he says has been stripped down to a single PSO while lesser-known political figures enjoy multiple guards. “They’ve left me vulnerable. If a former minister is attacked for raising a public issue, what message does this send?”
The FIR, now officially lodged, accuses Choudhary of abuse, assault, and misuse of power. “People who think they’re above the law must face consequences,” Singh declared.
“I won’t be silenced—wherever there’s corruption or negligence, I’ll speak up.” The incident has sparked outrage, with questions mounting over the government’s response to dissent. Neither Choudhary nor his office has issued a statement. As pressure builds, all eyes are on the administration to address this explosive clash between two prominent leaders.
