In a fiery address in Srinagar on Sunday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah demanded the immediate restoration of full statehood to the Union Territory, declaring it an undeniable right of the people.
Nearly ten months after his National Conference (NC) stormed to victory in the October 2024 elections, Abdullah rejected any diluted “hybrid system” and signaled that the NC is exploring all options, including legal action, to hold the central government accountable to its promises.
“The Centre committed to statehood in Parliament and before the Supreme Court. It’s not a favor—it’s our right,” Abdullah asserted, addressing a charged crowd in the summer capital. The statement comes as frustration mounts over the delay in restoring statehood, stripped in August 2019 when Article 370 was revoked, and Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into two Union Territories.
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The NC, with 42 seats in the 90-member Assembly alongside allies Congress and CPI(M), has made statehood a cornerstone of its mandate.
Abdullah’s categorical rejection of a partial statehood model—where the Centre might retain control over key areas like security—sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown with the BJP-led government.
“We will not accept half-measures,” he said, hinting at potential legal challenges if the Centre fails to act. The Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling upholding Article 370’s abrogation also mandated statehood restoration “at the earliest,” yet progress remains stalled, fueling public discontent.
The issue resonates deeply in J&K, where the loss of statehood has been a sore point, symbolizing diminished autonomy. Abdullah’s push comes amid his government’s focus on local governance reforms and development projects, but statehood remains the rallying cry. As the 2026 Assembly polls loom, his unwavering stance could galvanize voters—or risk escalating tensions with the Centre.
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