Suhail Khan
SRINAGAR, April 15 : The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed renewed optimism on Tuesday about the restoration of the region’s statehood, citing recent discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah as a catalyst for hope.
His remarks come amid escalating tensions with the BJP, which has dismissed the National Conference (NC) leader’s stance as politically opportunistic.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a long-delayed bridge in Pulwama district, Abdullah as per Kashmir Despatch expressed hope that the central government would soon fulfil its promise to reinstate statehood.
“The right moment has arrived,” Abdullah declared, referencing the six-month milestone since the Assembly elections. “My meeting with Shah was constructive, and I remain hopeful that statehood will be reinstated soon.”
The statement marks a direct challenge to the BJP, which has long positioned itself as the primary advocate for restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s status as a full-fledged state.
Earlier this month, BJP swiftly countered Abdullah’s claims, with Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma accusing the NC of co-opting the BJP’s agenda. “Statehood is our commitment, not theirs,” Sharma asserted.
He said “Instead of echoing our promises, the NC should address its own unkept pledges to the people.” The exchange underscores deepening friction between the parties, particularly as debates over legislative priorities intensify.
Meanwhile, the NC faced scrutiny for allegedly obstructing legislative discussion on amendments to the Waqf Act, a Central law governing religious endowments. Opposition members sought to table an adjournment motion to debate the law but were blocked by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, an NC member, who cited ongoing judicial proceedings. The decision sparked accusations of procedural bias, with critics claiming the ruling party aimed to sidestep accountability.
Abdullah defended the Speaker’s ruling, arguing the motion was misplaced. “An adjournment motion pertains to state governance matters, not Central legislation,” he explained. “The Waqf Bill was passed by Parliament, not our government. How could we answer for it?”
While Abdullah’s statehood push dominates headlines, he tempered expectations regarding the reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmir’s erstwhile special status under Article 370, revoked by the Centre in 2019.
He said “Our fight to reclaim constitutional rights continues, but we’ve never misled the public into believing restoration is imminent,” he stated, signaling a strategic focus on achievable goals amid legal and political hurdles.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
