Srinagar:
National Conference (NC) leader and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah remains optimistic about the swift restoration of statehood to the region, a promise he made in the party’s 2024 election manifesto. Jammu and Kashmir was stripped of its special status in 2019 and reorganized into two Union Territories, an unprecedented move that altered the political landscape of the region. The restoration of statehood has been a pivotal issue in the NC’s campaign, with Abdullah reaffirming that it will remain a top priority for his government.
“We’ve been in office for over two months now, and while it took some time to adjust to the working structure of a UT government, it turned out to be more manageable than expected. We are committed to the promises we made to the people during the elections. Restoring the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir is our priority, and we will pursue it with full vigor,” Abdullah said.
Abdullah emphasized that the current Union Territory status is a transitional phase for Jammu and Kashmir, and expressed hope that the government’s commitment to restoring statehood will be fulfilled soon. He also highlighted the strong voter turnout in the 2024 assembly elections, indicating the region’s desire for change and autonomy. “The Union Government had promised that statehood would be restored at the earliest, and we expect that promise to be honored,” Abdullah stated.
Furthermore, Abdullah referenced a Supreme Court directive issued over a year ago, calling for the restoration of statehood, which added weight to the ongoing discussions around this issue.
The 2024 elections were historic as they were the first held in Jammu and Kashmir after a decade, and the first post-Article 370 abrogation. They were also notable for the participation of Jamaat-e-Islami members, who had previously been banned. The National Conference secured a commanding victory, winning 42 out of 90 legislative assembly seats.
While the BJP remained a formidable force in the Jammu region, securing 29 out of 43 seats, it faced significant challenges in the Kashmir Valley, where it failed to win a single seat. The Congress managed to win six seats, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) saw its representation decrease to just three seats.
In its first Cabinet meeting, the National Conference government passed a resolution calling for the restoration of statehood, followed by a landmark resolution in the legislative assembly demanding the reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370. The BJP strongly opposed these resolutions, resulting in heated arguments and disruptions in the assembly, where several BJP members were physically escorted out by the security staff.
Despite the formation of an elected government, the governance in Jammu and Kashmir continues to operate under a hybrid model, with the central government holding significant control. Administrative powers, such as home affairs and the authority to transfer Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, remain under the jurisdiction of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. This hybrid model has sparked concerns about the autonomy of the newly elected state government, and the restoration of full statehood remains a crucial step in the region’s political evolution.
The debate over statehood and the future of Jammu and Kashmir continues to be a source of intense discussion, both within the region and across the country. With the NC government pledging to honor its election promises and continue pressing for statehood, it remains to be seen how the Union Government will respond to the growing demand.
