Senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in Jammu and Kashmir, Sunil Sharma, stated on Thursday that the restoration of statehood to the region would necessitate the holding of fresh elections. Speaking in the Anantnag district of south Kashmir, Sharma argued that because the current legislative assembly was elected under the constitutional framework of a Union Territory, a transition to statehood would require a new electoral mandate.
Sharma criticized Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s ongoing efforts to secure the restoration of statehood, which has been a primary objective of the current government since it assumed power in October 2024. The Omar Abdullah administration passed a resolution in its first Cabinet meeting calling for the immediate restoration of statehood, and the Chief Minister has since presented the resolution to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister.
During his remarks, Sharma alleged that the push for statehood is driven by the Abdullah family’s desire to regain political authority, specifically citing the power to implement the Public Safety Act. He claimed that the general public is not focused on the issue of statehood.
Addressing the Chief Minister’s frequent public comments regarding the limited administrative powers afforded to a Union Territory, Sharma suggested that if the government feels it lacks sufficient authority, it should consider dissolving the Assembly. He stated that if the administration is unable to make decisions, it would be preferable for the House to be dissolved.
Regarding the stability of the current government, Sharma stated that the BJP does not intend to topple the administration, though he predicted that the government would eventually fall on its own. He added that the BJP intends to act as a vocal opposition during the upcoming 10-day autumn session of the Assembly, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, noting that the party plans to raise concerns regarding the difficulties faced by the public.
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