Omar Abdullah Rejects BJP Alliance for J&K Statehood
CM vows no BJP tie-up for statehood restoration.
In a press conference in Srinagar today Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah unequivocally ruled out any alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to expedite the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory. Emphasizing his party’s commitment to avoiding past political missteps, Abdullah declared that the National Conference (NC) would not compromise its principles by aligning with the BJP, even if it means delaying the return of statehood.
Abdullah challenged the BJP to clarify its stance on statehood, accusing the party of potentially tying the issue to its own political dominance in Jammu and Kashmir. “If statehood is contingent on the BJP coming to power in J&K, they should be honest and say so,” he stated. “The BJP never mentioned in its manifesto, Parliament, or to the Supreme Court that statehood depends on their government here. If that’s the deal, let them admit it, and we’ll decide our next steps.”
Reflecting on the 2015 PDP-BJP alliance, Abdullah described it as a “mistake” that continues to haunt the region. “J&K is still suffering the after-effects of that unnecessary alliance,” he said, referring to the coalition between the People’s Democratic Party and the BJP that governed the state from 2015 to 2018. “We have no intention of repeating others’ errors,” he added, firmly rejecting any suggestion of partnering with the BJP to secure statehood.
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The Chief Minister’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, which was revoked following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Abdullah’s stance underscores a deep-seated distrust of the BJP’s intentions, reflecting the NC’s broader strategy to prioritize regional interests over political expediency. He emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve transparency from the central government regarding the conditions for statehood restoration.
Abdullah’s comments also highlight the lingering scars of the 2015 alliance, which many in the region blame for political instability and heightened tensions. By distancing himself from any potential BJP collaboration, he aims to reassure his base while positioning the NC as a staunch advocate for J&K’s autonomy and identity. As the debate over statehood intensifies, Abdullah’s resolute stand sets the stage for a contentious political battle, with the NC prepared to navigate the complex path to statehood without compromising its core values.
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