Omar Abdullah Claims J&K Statehood Stalled as BJP Fails to Form Government
CM cites three-step process of delimitation, elections, and statehood, says tourism and local hopes remain stalled
SRINAGAR, Sept 24: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of deliberately delaying the restoration of statehood for the Union Territory, calling the situation “unfair” to the people of the region.
Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said the BJP’s electoral loss in the region should not result in punishing residents by withholding statehood. “It seems like statehood is not being provided to the people since the BJP didn’t form the government. The opposition to statehood is coming from the BJP,” he stated.
Abdullah highlighted that the Centre had informed the Supreme Court about a three-step process—delimitation, elections, and statehood. “Delimitation and elections happened, yet statehood has not been restored. This delay is the biggest challenge for the region,” he said, noting that tourism and local economic hopes, particularly around the Pooja season, have suffered as a result.
On the controversial ‘I Love Muhammad’ slogan arrests, the CM criticized the legal action, calling it unnecessary. “How is it illegal to write ‘I Love Muhammad’? Courts should intervene. People of other religions freely write about their gods; why should this be treated differently?” he questioned.
Regional parties and citizens have been advocating for statehood restoration since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, which split the former state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir (with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature). The Supreme Court recently emphasized that ground realities, including recent events in Pahalgam, must be considered in the decision on J&K statehood.
Abdullah’s comments come amid growing frustration over delays and perceived political obstruction, reinforcing demands for swift restoration of full statehood rights to Jammu and Kashmir.
