Examiner News Desk | Srinagar:
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has repeatedly asserted that the restoration of statehood is not merely a political promise but a constitutional and democratic necessity. Announcing the “Delhi Chalo” programme, he said the protest was intended to peacefully urge the Union government to honour its commitment and restore the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He has maintained that the elected government will continue pursuing statehood through both constitutional and political means.
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has also backed the campaign, saying that the restoration of statehood is essential for strengthening democratic institutions in Jammu and Kashmir. According to him, the people have waited long enough after the restoration of the elected Assembly, and the Centre should now take the next step by restoring full statehood.
The Centre, however, has not indicated that the timing of statehood restoration will be determined by political demonstrations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has repeatedly stated in Parliament that the government remains committed to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at an appropriate time. Similar assurances were given by the Union government before the Supreme Court during hearings on petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370. However, no specific timeline has been announced.
The NC’s strategy has also drawn criticism from political rivals. People’s Conference president Sajad Lone questioned the decision to stage a protest in Delhi, arguing that the National Conference should first pass a formal resolution on statehood in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. Referring to this year’s Assembly proceedings, Lone alleged that the NC voted against his amendment seeking the restoration of Article 370, Article 35A and statehood. “If you are serious about statehood, bring a resolution in the Assembly before taking the fight to Delhi,” he said, while accusing the ruling party of attempting to shift the political narrative.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has also consistently demanded the restoration of statehood, though it has argued that the issue cannot be separated from the constitutional changes of August 2019. PDP leaders have maintained that restoring statehood alone would not fully address the political concerns arising from the reorganisation of the former state.
Political analysts believe the “Delhi Chalo” campaign is aimed at increasing political pressure on the Centre and keeping the issue alive in national discourse. They note, however, that while protests can generate attention and demonstrate public sentiment, they are unlikely on their own to alter the Union government’s timeline.
With Assembly elections having been completed and an elected government in place, regional parties argue that the restoration of statehood should naturally follow. The final decision, however, rests with the Union government and Parliament, which alone have the constitutional authority to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
For now, the NC’s protest is expected to reinforce its political message and mobilise public opinion. Whether it leads to an early announcement from New Delhi remains uncertain, as the Centre has continued to reiterate its commitment without specifying when the promise will be fulfilled.
