With the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) set to form the new government in Jammu and Kashmir, the party’s Vice President and likely-to-be CM Omar Abdullah, reiterated his party’s unwavering stance on Article 370 and the restoration of statehood. While recognizing the difficulties in restoring Article 370 under the current government, Abdullah emphasised that the issue remains central to the JKNC’s political agenda.
“Our political stand won’t change,” Abdullah declared. “We never said we would be silent on Article 370 or that it is no longer an issue for us. However, we must be realistic — expecting those who scrapped Article 370 to restore it is wishful thinking. We will continue to keep this issue alive and hope for a future government with whom we can engage in dialogue.”
Abdullah expressed deep gratitude for the public’s mandate and acknowledged the responsibilities it brings. “I am humbled by the verdict of the people and the mandate they have given us. The people of J&K have been unheard of since 2018, and now is the time to work for their benefit. There is a sharp divide between Kashmir and Jammu, and the new government must ensure that the people of Jammu feel a sense of ownership in the governance process.”
He emphasized that the incoming government, formed in alliance with Congress, will serve all the people of J&K, regardless of their political affiliation. “The government will not only represent the alliance but will be for every individual in J&K,” Abdullah said.
Speaking on the government formation process, Abdullah explained that the Legislative Party Meeting would determine the leader of the alliance, who would then seek the governor’s approval to form the government. He also underscored the importance of restoring an elected government after years of central administration under the Lieutenant Governor.
Regarding the priorities of the new government, Abdullah called for the first cabinet resolution to demand the restoration of statehood. “The new chief minister should travel to Delhi, armed with a resolution asking for statehood, and press the central leadership to fulfil this promise,” he added.
Omar Abdullah’s son, Zamir Abdullah, echoed his father’s sentiments, emphasizing that statehood is not just an issue but a right. “We will go to court for statehood, but there will also be a movement. The central government divided us in 2019, and we were left with nothing. But the people are with us, and we have the mandate to represent J&K,” Zamir said.
In response to his father, Farooq Abdullah’s statement that Omar would become the next chief minister, Omar expressed gratitude but reiterated that the decision lies with the legislators and the alliance. “We will follow the democratic process,” he said.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted his appreciation to the people of J&K, describing the alliance’s victory as a win for democracy and the Constitution. Meanwhile, JKNC leader Sheikh Bashir Ahmad thanked the public for their overwhelming support and assured them that the party would respect the mandate and focus on development across all regions.
As Jammu & Kashmir prepares for its first elected government in years, the restoration of statehood and addressing regional divides will be key to shaping the political landscape moving forward.