Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has sparked a fresh political debate by claiming that Jammu and Kashmir may not be granted statehood since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has lost the recently concluded assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters, the National Conference (NC) leader said that the BJP, which earlier promised restoration of statehood, could now backtrack on its commitment after its electoral setback. Abdullah warned that denying statehood would further alienate the people of the region.
He urged the Centre to fulfill its promise irrespective of political results, reminding that “statehood is not a gift, it is a constitutional right that must be restored.
Jammu and Kashmir was downgraded from a state to a Union Territory after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
The Union government has repeatedly assured that full statehood would be restored at an “appropriate time.”
Opposition parties, however, have expressed doubts about the government’s intentions, especially after political shifts in the region.
Political Reactions
While Abdullah’s remarks have triggered discussion, BJP leaders are yet to respond officially. Political analysts say the statement reflects rising uncertainty in Kashmir’s political landscape post-elections.
