Accuses BJP of opposing restoration of Statehood
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Sept 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said the people of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be punished for the defeat of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and accused the saffron party of opposing restoration of Statehood.
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Speaking to reporters here, the Chief Minister said it seems that since the BJP failed to form a Government in the Union Territory, the Statehood was being withheld. “This is unfair. Nowhere was it said that if results are in favour of the BJP, only then will Statehood be given,” he said.
Omar said the people of J&K were promised a three-way process including delimitation, election and Statehood.
The CM said the biggest challenge at present is that J&K is not a State. “We hoped that Statehood would be restored, given the promises made to the people,” he added.
He recalled that the Centre had promised the Supreme Court a three-step process: first delimitation, then elections, and then Statehood. “Delimitation took place, elections were held, and people participated in large numbers. Unfortunately, the BJP was not able to win. But that should not mean Statehood is denied,” he said.
Omar accused the BJP of opposing the restoration of Statehood to the Union Territory, calling it an “injustice” to the people.
On challenges faced by his Government, the CM said the biggest issue is that Jammu and Kashmir is still not a State. “We were hoping that, as promised, Statehood would be restored. But it has not happened yet,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the tourism has not picked up post Pahalgam attack. “Everyone is worried. We tried to restart tourism, and we were hoping that after the Puja season, tourists from West Bengal and Kolkata would come. But the numbers we expected have not come yet. Our efforts will continue,” he said.
Commenting on the controversy over FIRs filed against several people in Kanpur for putting up boards reading ‘I Love Muhammad,’ Omar questioned why anyone should object.
“How can writing these three words be a reason for arrest? This only shows the mental illness of those making a case out of it. Even if you connect it to religion, what is wrong? Our Sikh brothers write about their gurus, and Hindus write about their gods. If you travel outside J&K, you will see cars with pictures of gods. Why can’t people here say ‘I love Muhammad’?” he asked, urging the courts to resolve the matter quickly.
Omar also highlighted his Government’s outreach initiative to solve people’s problems directly. “The aim is to help where demands are not being met in the normal way. People come with issues of development, transfers, welfare schemes, and other concerns. This initiative has been very successful, and we try to strengthen it with the feedback we receive,” he said.
In response to criticism from the BJP’s Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, the CM said opposition is natural. “The designation of the LOP is to oppose. In which world would you expect the BJP’s LOP to praise the National Conference Government? The more they oppose us, the better, because it shows we are working,” he said.
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