Omar Abdullah’s statehood resolution triggers political storm inside J&K Assembly. (Img: Pinterest)
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a major political confrontation after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah moved a resolution in the Assembly demanding the restoration of full statehood, leading to protests by BJP legislators and disruption of House proceedings.
The resolution, presented by the National Conference-led government, called upon the Centre to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. However, references to earlier Assembly resolutions triggered objections from BJP members, who argued that the discussion went beyond the issue of statehood.
The heated exchange inside the Assembly turned the statehood demand into a fresh political battle, bringing the Centre-Jammu and Kashmir relationship back into national focus.
After the House was adjourned for 30 minutes, Omar Abdullah addressed the media from his chamber and said the BJP should have allowed discussion and voting on the resolution. He maintained that the move was only about reminding the Government of India about its commitment to restore statehood.
## Why Omar Abdullah Brought Statehood Resolution
The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister has repeatedly raised the demand for restoration of full statehood since his government came to power.
The National Conference has argued that statehood restoration was an important assurance given after the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019.
Omar Abdullah said the resolution was brought before the elected Assembly because the legislature represents a wider voice of the people compared to a government resolution alone.
The Chief Minister stressed that the demand was not linked to any political family or party but was connected with the administrative and political status of Jammu and Kashmir.
## BJP Objects To References In Resolution
The biggest point of disagreement emerged over references to previous Assembly resolutions.
The latest resolution mentioned earlier resolutions passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, including one related to autonomy passed in 2000 and another resolution from 2024.
BJP legislators objected to these references, arguing that the issue of autonomy and Article 370 should not become part of the statehood discussion.
The protests inside the Assembly created a tense atmosphere, with BJP members raising slogans and opposing the resolution. The disruption forced the Speaker to adjourn the proceedings.
## Omar Abdullah Clarifies On Article 370 And Autonomy Debate
Responding to BJP’s objections, Omar Abdullah said the new resolution was limited only to the restoration of full statehood.
He clarified that the Assembly was not attempting to replace, withdraw or reopen previous resolutions.
The Chief Minister said the demand was focused on getting back full statehood with complete administrative powers and was separate from earlier debates surrounding Article 370, special status or autonomy.
He argued that asking for statehood was a democratic demand and should not be considered against national interests.
## Statehood Promise After Delimitation And Elections
During his address in the Assembly, Omar Abdullah referred to previous assurances that statehood would be restored after the completion of delimitation and elections.
He pointed out that delimitation had been completed and Assembly elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir in 2024 with public participation.
According to Omar Abdullah, restoration of statehood remains the unfinished part of that process.
The National Conference government has maintained that returning statehood would strengthen democratic governance in the region.
## Debate Over Powers Of Jammu And Kashmir Government
The Chief Minister also raised concerns over the powers available with the elected government.
He highlighted that several important institutions and administrative areas require greater coordination with the elected government.
Omar Abdullah referred to issues related to the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation and healthcare institutions while discussing governance challenges.
The debate reflects a larger question about the functioning of an elected government in a Union Territory where administrative powers are divided between the Centre and the local administration.
## Centre-J&K Relations Face Fresh Test
The statehood issue has remained one of the most important political subjects in Jammu and Kashmir since the region’s reorganisation.
While regional parties have consistently demanded restoration of full statehood, the Centre has maintained that the decision will be taken at an appropriate time.
The latest Assembly confrontation highlights the continuing political differences between the National Conference and BJP over the future administrative structure of Jammu and Kashmir.
## Congress Supports Statehood Resolution
Congress legislators supported the resolution during the Assembly proceedings.
The support from Congress and opposition from BJP turned the debate into a wider political contest over Jammu and Kashmir’s future roadmap.
The development is likely to keep the statehood issue alive in political discussions across the country.
## What Happens Next
The resolution will now become part of the political record of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.
Attention will shift towards the Centre’s response and whether further discussions take place between the Union government and the Jammu and Kashmir administration.
The latest controversy has once again placed statehood restoration, governance powers and political representation in Jammu and Kashmir at the centre of public debate.
