Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated his firm stance that the Union government should restore the state’s full statehood without delay. He remarked that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration never stated that Jammu and Kashmir would regain its statehood only if the BJP came to power in the region. Abdullah emphasised that the Centre has a moral and political obligation to act on its commitment, stressing that this promise must be fulfilled promptly and without political conditions attached.
Speaking at a press conference held at the National Conference Party office in Jammu, Abdullah underlined the significance of restoring statehood, describing it as a matter of honour and trust between the Centre and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that his party and the people have been patiently waiting for the Centre to honour its word, and the continued delay only deepens the feeling of political uncertainty and alienation among citizens. According to him, the restoration of statehood should be treated as a national priority rather than a political favour.
Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister, Abdullah said that his government had made genuine efforts to promote development and deliver on electoral promises. He claimed that despite numerous challenges, the administration had accelerated various developmental projects and focused on ensuring that governance remained people-centric. He reminded the media that his government should be evaluated at the end of its full five-year term, not prematurely, asserting that progress requires time, stability, and a fair assessment of results.
Turning his attention to the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections and the Nagrota bypolls, Abdullah expressed optimism about opposition unity. He noted that the National Conference had fielded three candidates—Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan, Sajjad Kitchloo, and Shammi Singh Oberoi—and voiced hope that Mehbooba Mufti’s party would extend its support to them. The elections, scheduled for October 24, would, he said, reflect the true political alignments within the state.
Abdullah also questioned the political strategy of People’s Conference leader Sajad Lone, asking why he continued to align himself with the BJP. He described the Rajya Sabha polls as a decisive moment that would reveal which parties were genuinely independent and which remained under the BJP’s influence. Lone later responded, cautioning Abdullah not to judge those who chose not to support the National Conference candidates.
On the issue of seat-sharing for the Rajya Sabha elections, Abdullah disclosed that the National Conference had offered one seat to the Congress, but the party declined, reportedly seeking a safer option. Consequently, the National Conference decided to contest all four available seats independently. He also asserted that, given the numbers in the 90-member assembly, the BJP would struggle to win any seat without engaging in “horse trading,” since it held only 28 MLAs.
In his closing remarks, Abdullah mentioned that his party remained open to discussions with the Congress for potential collaboration in the upcoming Nagrota bypolls. He said that if the Congress fielded a stronger candidate, his party would be willing to consider an alliance. The talks, he clarified, were ongoing and aimed at maximising opposition unity against the BJP’s influence in the region.
