Omar Abdullah escalates attack on Centre over delayed J&K statehood, seeks clarity on “right time” promise

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has intensified his criticism of the BJP-led central government , accusing it of failing to deliver on its promised restoration of Jammu and Kashmir statehood , and saying there is still no clear timeline or roadmap from the Centre.

Addressing a public rally in the Nowshera area of Rajouri district , Abdullah questioned the repeated assurance that statehood would be restored at the “right time” , asking the government to clearly define what the term actually means. He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve a measurable and transparent plan rather than open-ended political assurances.

He urged the Centre to spell out a structured roadmap for restoring statehood , comparing it to an examination system where students are told exactly what is required to pass. Abdullah said clarity was essential so that the administration and people could work towards defined goals.

The chief minister said that promises made in Parliament, courts, election campaigns and public rallies must carry institutional credibility , and accused the Centre of repeatedly revisiting its commitments. He added that the conversion of the erstwhile state into a Union Territory was widely seen as a setback to democratic representation.

Abdullah also raised concerns over women's reservation in legislatures , alleging inconsistencies in the Centre’s approach and linking it to broader questions of constitutional and electoral decision-making.

Referring to the delimitation exercise , he reiterated his allegation that constituency restructuring was politically influenced, though elections were subsequently held in 2024. He said despite multiple electoral processes, the promised final step of statehood restoration remains pending.

Recent political reporting also indicates that while discussions on statehood continue at the national level, the Centre has not announced any official deadline or final decision , keeping the issue open-ended.

Abdullah maintained that his government will continue to raise the matter, saying public trust depends on fulfilling commitments made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.