Omar Abdullah Renews Statehood Demand, Targets BJP at Rally

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over its opposition to the National Conference's proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, questioning where his party should raise its demand for the restoration of statehood if not in the country's capital. Speaking at the National Conference's 'Chalo Delhi' rally in Jammu, Abdullah reaffirmed his party's commitment to pressing for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood through democratic means.

Addressing party workers and supporters, Abdullah remarked, "Should we go to President Trump's White House in America to seek our statehood? If we cannot get justice in our own country's capital, then tell us where we should go." The statement came as the National Conference defended its decision to hold a protest in Delhi, arguing that the national capital is the appropriate place to present its demand before the Central government.

The Chief Minister also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties across the country and alleged that democratic voices were being suppressed. He said the National Conference would continue to pursue its demand for statehood through constitutional and peaceful means, maintaining that the issue remains a priority for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

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The National Conference's 'Chalo Delhi' campaign is aimed at renewing political pressure on the Centre to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, which was reorganised into two Union Territories in August 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370. Since then, several political parties in the region have consistently demanded the restoration of statehood, describing it as essential for democratic governance and administrative autonomy.

The BJP has maintained that statehood will be restored at an appropriate time after the completion of the ongoing political and administrative processes. The Centre has previously stated before the Supreme Court that statehood would be restored to Jammu and Kashmir, although no specific timeline has been announced.

The National Conference has said it will continue engaging with the Centre and mobilising public support to press its demand. The restoration of statehood remains one of the key political issues in Jammu and Kashmir, with regional parties continuing to seek its implementation through democratic and constitutional channels.

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