Chief Minister’s Renewed Push for Statehood Gains Momentum
Pulwama, 15 April 2025: A Call for Change
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed optimism about the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory, declaring that the “appropriate time has come.” Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a long-delayed bridge in Pulwama district, Abdullah emphasized his belief that the central government is poised to fulfill its promise of reinstating statehood.
Renewed Push for Statehood
Abdullah’s remarks come six months after his party’s victory in the assembly elections and over five years since the abrogation of Article 370, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and divided it into two Union Territories—J&K and Ladakh.
“We think the appropriate time has come; six months have passed since the assembly elections. Union Home Minister Amit Shah came here, I had a separate meeting with him, a good one … I am still hopeful that J&K will soon get its statehood back,” Abdullah stated.
Engagement with the Centre
During his recent meeting with Amit Shah, Abdullah reiterated his party’s demand for statehood restoration, a key promise in his party’s manifesto. Shah, who visited J&K earlier this month, assured that statehood would be restored at an “appropriate time,” though no specific timeline was provided.
Abdullah has avoided major confrontations with the Centre-appointed Lieutenant Governor and has maintained a diplomatic approach in his interactions with the Prime Minister and Home Minister.
Infrastructure Development and Political Context
The Chief Minister’s comments were made during the inauguration of a bridge connecting Chrar-e-Sharief to south Kashmir, which had taken 11 years to rebuild after being washed away in the 2014 floods. Abdullah expressed frustration over the delay but highlighted the bridge’s importance in improving connectivity in the region.
Abdullah’s renewed push for statehood also comes amid criticism surrounding the Waqf Amendment Act. Opposition leaders accused the National Conference (NC) of stalling legislative discussions on the Act, a claim Abdullah refuted by emphasizing procedural correctness.
Challenges and Criticism
While Abdullah remains hopeful, his statehood pitch has faced criticism from opposition leaders, including BJP’s Sunil Sharma, who dismissed the NC’s efforts as disingenuous. “Statehood is our narrative, it is the BJP’s promise. Abdullah should rather focus on fulfilling the promises he made to the people,” Sharma stated.
Abdullah has also tempered expectations regarding the restoration of J&K’s special status, acknowledging that the fight for Article 370 is far from over but unlikely to see immediate reversal.
Looking Ahead
As Abdullah continues to advocate for statehood restoration, the focus remains on how the central government will respond to his calls for change. The Chief Minister’s diplomatic approach and emphasis on infrastructure development reflect his commitment to rebuilding Jammu and Kashmir’s political and economic landscape.
