Omar Abdullah Questions Delay in J&K Statehood, Asks If People Are Being Punished Over BJP CM Choice

J&K, May 06 : Omar Abdullah has strongly criticised the continued delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying the people of the Union Territory are being treated unfairly despite repeated assurances from the Centre.
In an interview with PTI on Tuesday, Abdullah questioned whether the delay was linked to the BJP’s inability to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir after the Assembly elections. He said the prolonged wait has created uncertainty and frustration among citizens who were promised that statehood would return after the completion of the electoral process.
The chief minister said Jammu and Kashmir has already fulfilled the roadmap outlined by the Centre, including delimitation and Assembly elections, yet there is still no timeline for restoring full statehood.

“Appropriate Time” Formula Draws Criticism
Abdullah expressed disappointment over the Centre’s repeated use of the phrase “appropriate time” while discussing the restoration of statehood.
According to him, neither the Union government nor senior leaders have clearly explained what conditions remain pending before Jammu and Kashmir can regain its statehood status.
He stated that his administration continues to raise the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, but no measurable criteria or deadline has been shared so far.
Abdullah argued that if there were specific benchmarks, the elected government would work towards meeting them. However, the absence of clarity has left the matter hanging indefinitely.

Chief Minister Alleges Political Bias
The National Conference leader questioned whether Jammu and Kashmir was being denied statehood because the BJP failed to secure power in the region.
He remarked that if the Centre intended to restore statehood only after a BJP chief minister came to power, it should have openly declared that position before Parliament and the Supreme Court.
Abdullah said such silence amounts to misleading the people of Jammu and Kashmir, adding that citizens deserve transparency regarding the Centre’s actual intentions.
He also referred to recent remarks by BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, who reportedly questioned why statehood should be restored under the current government led by Abdullah.

Background of Article 370 and Reorganisation
In August 2019, the Centre revoked Article 370, which granted special constitutional status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The region was subsequently bifurcated into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
The move triggered major political and constitutional debates across the country, with regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir consistently demanding restoration of both statehood and constitutional safeguards.
Abdullah reiterated that the National Conference remains committed to its long-standing political principles, but he acknowledged the practical challenges involved in reopening discussions on Article 370 with the current Union government.

Omar Abdullah Rules Out “False Promises” on Article 370
The chief minister said he does not want to “mislead” people by making unrealistic promises regarding the restoration of Article 370.
According to Abdullah, expecting the present central government to reconsider Article 370 is politically unrealistic when it has not even restored statehood despite earlier assurances.
In an apparent attack on rival political parties, including the PDP led by Mehbooba Mufti, Abdullah accused some leaders of building their political careers on false assurances and emotional rhetoric.
He stressed that his party would continue to speak honestly to the public instead of making promises that cannot currently be fulfilled.

Supreme Court Reference and Future Legal Options
Abdullah also referred to the 2023 Supreme Court observation that statehood should be restored “at the earliest.” However, he noted that the phrase remains vague and open to interpretation.
When asked whether the Jammu and Kashmir government might approach the Supreme Court again for clarification, Abdullah said all options remain open, though he admitted such a move could involve political and legal risks.
The chief minister maintained that his government will continue pressing for restoration of statehood while keeping the issue alive at both political and constitutional levels.