We would pass a resolution in our first cabinet meeting to demand the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood,” announced National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Wednesday.
After the formation of the government, Abdullah expressed hope that the cabinet would pass a resolution urging the Centre to restore statehood. “This resolution should then be taken to the Prime Minister,” he told reporters.
He expressed confidence that the Jammu and Kashmir government would operate more smoothly than its counterpart in Delhi. “There is a distinction between us and Delhi. Delhi was never a state; no one promised it statehood. Jammu and Kashmir was a state before 2019, and we have been assured by the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and other senior officials that three steps will be taken in J-K: delimitation, elections, and then statehood.”
“Delimitation has occurred, and the elections have now taken place. The only step left is restoring statehood,” he added.
When asked about the importance of coordination between the new J-K government and the Centre, Abdullah emphasized that confrontation would not lead to any productive outcomes. “Let the government be formed first. This question should be directed to the chief minister. A cordial relationship with New Delhi is essential. My advice to him is that we cannot address any issues through confrontation with the Centre. While we will continue to oppose the BJP’s politics, we do not need to oppose the Centre itself,” he stated.
Abdullah further remarked that fostering a positive relationship with the Centre would benefit Jammu and Kashmir and its residents. “The people have not voted for confrontation. They want employment, development, the restoration of statehood, and solutions to electricity and other issues. Addressing these concerns will not happen through conflict with New Delhi,” he said.
The NC leader revealed plans to convene a legislative party meeting on Thursday to initiate the government formation process. “I have spoken to NC President Farooq Abdullah, and the party will call a legislative meeting tomorrow. Following that, there will be a meeting with our alliance partners to elect a leader and subsequently approach the Raj Bhavan to stake our claim for government formation. I hope the new government will be in place in the next few days,” he added.
When asked if the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) would join the coalition government, Abdullah stated that no discussions had occurred thus far. “There has been no approach made to us by the PDP, and we have made no approach to them. Given the election results, which are quite a setback for them, it’s understandable that there must be some internal discussions happening. If a channel of communication opens, we will sit down and talk to them, but it is not a priority for us at the moment,” he explained.
While acknowledging the responsibility that comes with the public mandate, Abdullah stated, “The people of J-K have felt unheard since 2018. Now, the time has come for us to work for their benefit. I am acutely aware of the sharp divide between Kashmir and Jammu, and the incoming government will have a significant responsibility to foster a sense of ownership among the people of Jammu.”
“The government that will take office in the next few days will not just represent the NC, the alliance, or those who voted for it; it will serve every individual in J-K, regardless of whether they voted or not,” he asserted. “We will emphasize giving voice and ownership to those areas where MLAs in this coalition will be fewer.”
On the issue of the nomination of five MLAs by the Lieutenant Governor, Abdullah advised Manoj Sinha against it, stating, “Even with these nominations, the BJP will not be able to form the government. You will only have five MLAs in opposition, leading to contention. We would then have to approach the Supreme Court. While we want to maintain a cordial relationship with the Centre, this move will create tension from day one.
“The nomination of five MLAs will not impact government formation. Some independents who won are already in touch with us, and they will join us, strengthening our position. The BJP will not gain anything by nominating these five MLAs,” he concluded.
