As National Conference President Farooq Abdullah reaches out to INDIA bloc leaders and other political parties for support in demanding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the BJP criticizes the move as an attempt to divert attention from failures and unfulfilled promises. The call for statehood restoration comes amidst intensified demands by J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for constitutional guarantees ahead of a proposed protest on July 20 in New Delhi. BJP representatives express skepticism, citing the current situation in J&K as not conducive to immediate statehood restoration.
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh labels the move as an effort to conceal incompetence and unfulfilled manifesto promises, accusing the “Gupkar gang” of reviving an old agenda. The National Conference’s right to protest is acknowledged, but the BJP maintains that the timing for statehood restoration is not appropriate given the existing conditions in J&K. JD(U) National Spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad acknowledges the democratic nature of the statehood demand while highlighting the progress witnessed in the Union Territories post-reorganization.
JD(U) Chief Spokesperson Neeraj Kumar notes the developmental strides in J&K following the abrogation of Article 370, emphasizing the region’s transition into a new phase of growth. Congress MP Jebi Mather supports the National Conference’s outreach efforts, asserting the party’s right to seek backing from like-minded political entities. Farooq Abdullah’s letters to various political figures, including members of the INDIA bloc and non-BJP national parties, seek solidarity for the campaign advocating for statehood and constitutional rights in J&K.
The National Conference plans a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20, coinciding with the Monsoon Session of Parliament, preceded by public gatherings in Srinagar on July 11 and July 13 to rally support for their cause. The reorganization of J&K into two Union Territories in 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370, forms the backdrop of the ongoing debate surrounding statehood restoration.
