Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah to provide a “timeline” for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, amid the Centre’s assertions that statehood will be reinstated soon. Criticizing the BJP-led NDA government for its decision to revoke Article 370 and bifurcate the region into two Union Territories (UTs), Abdullah stated that his party, the National Conference (NC), had hoped for the restoration of statehood before the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
The Supreme Court had upheld the Centre’s revocation of Article 370 and directed the Election Commission (EC) to conduct assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir by September of this year. Abdullah emphasized the need for clarity from the Home Minister regarding the timeline for reinstating statehood, especially considering the Supreme Court’s deadline.
In 2019, the Parliament passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, which reconstituted the erstwhile state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, effective from October 31, 2019. This move also led to the cessation of Article 370.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his recent visit to the UT, assured that the Centre was committed to restoring statehood and conducting assembly elections soon. Abdullah expressed confidence in his party’s prospects in the Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the NC is poised to win by a “huge margin.”
Abdullah is contesting from the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency against PDP’s Fayaz Ahmad Mir and Sajad Lone of the People’s Conference. The NC currently holds the seat, with Mohammed Akbar Lone as its sitting MP.
Jammu and Kashmir, which previously had six Lok Sabha seats including Ladakh, now has five seats. In the 2019 elections, the BJP won three seats, while the National Conference secured the remaining three.
Voting for the remaining seats in Anantnag-Rajouri, Srinagar, and Baramulla will be held on May 7, May 13, and May 20, respectively.