source - ANI
Omar Abdullah Urges Statehood Restoration Post NC-Congress Win
Omar Abdullah has urged the central government to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood after the National Conference and Congress won the 2024 Assembly elections. This marks the first election in a decade for the region. Abdullah, supported by his father, Farooq Abdullah, is set to take on the role of Chief Minister for the second time.
He called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deliver on his earlier promise of restoring statehood, which was stripped away five years ago after Article 370 was revoked. Abdullah expressed hope that the Prime Minister would be “honourable” and fulfill this commitment, even though the BJP did not win the election.
Statehood as a Key Promise
Restoring statehood was a crucial element in the NC-Congress alliance’s campaign. Abdullah stressed that nowhere had the Prime Minister linked statehood with a BJP victory, adding that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had spoken through their votes. He expressed optimism that Modi would now take the necessary steps to restore the state’s autonomy.
A Crucial Stage for J&K
Abdullah highlighted the need for cooperation between the newly elected Jammu and Kashmir government and the central government. He pointed out that the region is at a critical juncture, and collaboration is essential for economic and social progress. Abdullah urged the BJP not to play politics with the region’s future and acknowledged that repairing the relationship between Jammu and the central government, particularly with the Kashmir region, would be challenging.
Relationship with the Lieutenant Governor
The National Conference leader also emphasized the need to rebuild relations with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Abdullah criticized the Governor’s role in the past and urged him to contribute to repairing ties. He pointed out that any antagonism from the Lieutenant Governor would not benefit Jammu and Kashmir, especially at this crucial time.
Celebrating the Election Victory
The National Conference secured 42 seats in the election, a result Abdullah described as better than expected. While he acknowledged the desire for more seats, he expressed gratitude for the party’s success. Abdullah also addressed the expectations of voters, particularly those from Jammu, who did not support the NC-Congress alliance. He emphasized the importance of representing all communities, including Kashmiri Pandits, as they move forward.
Looking ahead, Abdullah said that restoring statehood would be a priority for the new government. He also hinted at the possibility of restoring the legislative council to ensure broader representation across Jammu and Kashmir.
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