The National Conference (NC), the ruling party in Jammu and Kashmir, is preparing a significant show of strength in Delhi to demand the restoration of statehood for the region. The party aims to elevate the issue into a national political debate during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, according to party sources.
NC's Strategy to Push Statehood Demand
Party leaders have indicated that they will mobilise support from like-minded parties and civil society groups to pressure the central government. The NC plans to hold rallies, corner meetings, and parliamentary interventions to keep the spotlight on statehood. Senior NC leader Omar Abdullah stated, "We will not rest until the special status and statehood of Jammu and Kashmir are fully restored. This is a matter of the people's rights and dignity."
The party's president, Farooq Abdullah, has also been reaching out to opposition leaders across the country to build a consensus on the issue. He said, "The denial of statehood is a betrayal of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We will fight this battle in Parliament and on the streets."
Political Context and Previous Developments
The demand for statehood gained momentum after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which stripped the region of its special status and led to its bifurcation into two union territories. Since then, various political parties in the region have consistently called for the restoration of statehood. The NC's current push comes ahead of the Monsoon Session, which is expected to begin in late July 2026.
According to political analysts, the NC's strategy is to use the parliamentary platform to highlight the administrative and developmental challenges faced by the region as a union territory. A party spokesperson said, "The lack of statehood has hampered governance and development. We need elected representatives with real powers to address the aspirations of our people."
Expected Impact and Opposition
The NC's plan has drawn mixed reactions. While opposition parties have expressed solidarity, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticised the move, calling it a divisive tactic. A BJP leader from Jammu said, "The NC is trying to mislead the people. The central government has already taken steps to ensure peace and development in the region."
Nevertheless, the NC remains undeterred. With the support of other regional parties, the party hopes to gather at least 50 MPs from different parties to back their demand during the session. The outcome of this show of strength could significantly influence the political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir and at the national level.
