BJP criticised the National Conference’s proposed statehood protest, calling it an attempt to divert attention from governance failures
New Delhi
A political debate has intensified over the demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir after the National Conference (NC) sought support from opposition parties for a proposed protest in New Delhi. While the National Conference has stepped up its campaign for the restoration of full statehood and constitutional guarantees, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the party of attempting to divert public attention from its governance record and unfulfilled electoral promises.
The controversy follows National Conference president Farooq Abdullah’s outreach to leaders of the INDIA bloc and several other political parties seeking their participation in the party’s planned protest in the national capital on July 20. The initiative comes shortly after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah renewed his demand for the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory.
Reacting to the development, BJP Rajya Sabha member Tarun Chugh alleged that the National Conference was trying to shift the focus away from its shortcomings in governance. He claimed that the party had failed to fulfil the promises made in its election manifesto and was attempting to revive what he described as an outdated political agenda.
Chugh also referred to the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration, commonly known as the Gupkar Alliance, stating that its leaders should review their own commitments before raising fresh political demands. According to him, the National Conference had not fulfilled the assurances it had made to the people.
BJP national spokesperson R. P. Singh said that the National Conference was fully entitled to organise protests in a democratic framework but maintained that the prevailing security and administrative situation in Jammu and Kashmir was not yet suitable for the restoration of statehood.
He said the Union government remained committed to restoring statehood at an appropriate time but emphasised that the decision would be taken only when circumstances were considered favourable. Singh added that every political party had the democratic right to express its views through peaceful demonstrations.
Janata Dal (United) national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad also commented on the issue, acknowledging that the demand for statehood was legitimate within a democratic system. However, he highlighted the developmental progress achieved in Jammu and Kashmir since its reorganisation into a Union Territory.
Prasad said the regions had witnessed improvements in several sectors over recent years and noted that political parties were free to advocate their respective positions on constitutional and administrative matters through democratic means.
JD(U) chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar also underlined the developments that have taken place in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370. He said the region had entered a new phase of development with expanded opportunities for growth and infrastructure. Kumar added that while he was not fully aware of the context of Farooq Abdullah’s outreach to opposition leaders, development remained the primary priority for the region.