While Abdullahs Advocate for Patience, NC Leaders Intensify Calls for J&K Statehood

Jammu, Jan 30 (NationPress) As the ruling National Conference (NC) and various political factions advocate for the restoration of statehood, the BJP has cautioned the central government to tread carefully on the matter concerning Jammu and Kashmir.

The strategy of the NC's leadership regarding the statehood debate appears to have evolved. The party's key figures, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC Chief Farooq Abdullah, are adopting a more conciliatory stance. They seem to acknowledge that the decision regarding statehood rests with the Centre, and confronting the Union government might jeopardize the improving relations with Delhi.

This sentiment was echoed by NC president and former Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, who recently stated that statehood is ultimately a decision for the Centre. Nevertheless, other party leaders have been vocally advocating the issue across various platforms.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, during the Republic Day ceremony at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium, transformed his speech into a political statement. Instead of delivering a non-partisan address, he proclaimed, "Article 370 is, was, and will remain a constitutional right of J&K" without elaborating, despite the fact that Article 370 was abrogated by Parliament and upheld by the Supreme Court.

It is noteworthy that many of the anti-Centre remarks have come from the Deputy Chief Minister, who won his seat in Nowshera of Rajouri district by defeating then BJP J&K President, Ravinder Raina.

The NC primarily operates as a regional party centered in the Valley, and its political narrative has largely been critical of the BJP due to its integrative approach, which limits the space for regional entities. This is evidenced by the fact that the NC secured the majority of its 42 Legislative Assembly seats from the Valley. Thus, the NC’s political objectives stand in stark contrast to those of the BJP. Despite these realities, Omar Abdullah and Dr Farooq Abdullah have sought to reduce points of contention with the BJP-led Centre.

J&K's near-total economic reliance on the Centre, compounded by the absence of an industrial foundation, rising unemployment, insufficient funds for government employees, shrinking agricultural land, and a growing demand for improved business and self-employment opportunities, places the J&K government in a difficult position. Any conflict with the Centre could provide an opportunity for anti-national elements and terrorist supporters to exploit the situation, potentially leading to political instability in J&K.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, a politician of repute and proven administrative capability, acts as a stabilizing force between J&K and Delhi. His unwavering commitment to dismantling terrorism while ensuring equal opportunities for the residents of both the Valley and Jammu has helped bridge gaps and alleviate the concerns of the populace. Sinha's engagement with students, writers, academics, artists, and athletes, as well as his support for the J&K Police and security forces, marks a departure from the typical aloofness associated with the Raj Bhavan.

L-G Manoj Sinha has been responsive to public grievances and addresses them in a discreet, subtle, and effective manner. His presence significantly counters attempts to portray the Lt Governor’s office as an agent of New Delhi, as he strives to be the representative of the common citizen in the union territory.

The ruling NC would benefit more by collaborating with the Lt Governor and leveraging his insights and experience instead of engaging in unnecessary disputes over authority in J&K.