Omar Abdullah reminds PM: 'Delimitation and election done, now statehood remains' | WATCH

Following the electoral victory of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC)-Congress alliance, JKNC Vice President and newly-elected MLA Omar Abdullah emphasized the need for the immediate restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. Speaking after the results, Abdullah reminded the central government of its promise to reinstate statehood, which was revoked in 2019 when the region was reorganized into two union territories.

"There is a fundamental difference between Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi," Abdullah said. "Delhi has never been a full state, and no one ever promised to make it one. J&K, however, was a state before 2019, and we were promised the restoration of statehood. Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Shah, and senior BJP ministers have consistently said that three steps will be taken—delimitation, elections, and then statehood. The first two steps are complete, and now statehood remains. I hope that after the formation of the new government, the first decision the cabinet takes is to pass a resolution calling for the restoration of statehood and present it to the Prime Minister."

Abdullah also expressed his gratitude to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their participation in the democratic process, especially after nearly a decade of political uncertainty. "I am very thankful to the voters of J&K who exercised their right to vote, despite democracy not being allowed to thrive here for the last 8-10 years," Abdullah stated. "The JKNC-Congress alliance received a clear majority, and voters were thoughtful, especially in areas where attempts were made to divide votes through independent candidates and small parties. Now, our responsibility begins. Voters have done their duty, and it is our turn to prove worthy of their trust."

When asked about the potential nomination of five BJP MLAs to the J&K Assembly, Abdullah cautioned against such a move, stating that it would only create unnecessary conflict. "I would suggest they not nominate these five MLAs from the BJP. Nominating them won’t change the government’s composition, so what’s the point? It would create tension, and we would have to approach the Supreme Court. This would lead to unnecessary friction with the Centre right from the start, which we want to avoid. Let the government form, let suggestions be made, and based on that, the Lieutenant Governor should nominate."

Abdullah also stressed the importance of maintaining a working relationship with the central government, despite political differences with the BJP. "Coordination with New Delhi is essential. While we do not share the BJP’s politics, and they do not share ours, it is not necessary for us to fight with the Centre. Maintaining proper relations with New Delhi will be beneficial for J&K and its people. Voters did not elect us to engage in political battles; they want jobs, progress, statehood, and solutions to issues like power supply," he said.

As Jammu and Kashmir moves forward with the formation of its new government, Abdullah's statements underscore the JKNC-Congress alliance's focus on stability, development, and the restoration of the region's full statehood.

ANI