CM Omar Abdullah Vows to Quit if Jammu & Kashmir Statehood Isn’t Restored on Time

Jammu-Kashmir: In a dramatic political development, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced that he will resign if the central government does not restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood within a fixed timeline. This statement is being seen as an effort to pressure the Centre on the statehood issue, coming at a time of swift political activity, first for the Rajya Sabha polls and then the bypolls in two key Assembly segments, Budgam and Nagrota, in the Union Territory.

When Did CM Omar Abdullah Make This Statement?

Omar Abdullah made this statement during an interview with a national TV channel. He said, “We have promised the people to restore the statehood. If this promise is not fulfilled within a certain time, there is no reason for me to continue as Chief Minister.”

What Are the Political Reactions?

This statement by the Chief Minister has created waves in political circles. Opposition parties responded immediately, calling it a result of public pressure and political frustration. On the other hand, supporters of the National Conference said that Omar Abdullah’s move reflects public sentiment and could be a turning point in the fight for the rights of the state.

Is This a Pressure Strategy, Say Analysts?

Political analysts believe that Omar Abdullah’s statement may be a strategy to put pressure on the central government. Observers say that the “countdown” has begun, and in the coming months, discussions about restoring statehood could become even more intense.

What Is the Background and Future Outlook?

It is worth noting that after the removal of Articles 370 and 35A in August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir lost its special state status and was made a Union Territory. Since then, demands for restoring statehood have continued. The central government has repeatedly said statehood will be returned “at the appropriate time,” but no fixed timeline has been provided. Following Omar Abdullah’s statement, it is expected that this issue will be strongly raised in the upcoming assembly session. Experts say that this statement could affect power dynamics and may also create new developments in the relationship between the central government and Jammu and Kashmir.