In a dramatic political development, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced that he will resign if statehood is not restored within a fixed timeline. This is being seen as countdown of pressure on Centre from his end on restoration of statehood to J&K at a time when political developments are swiftly taking place, first for the RS polls followed by bypolls on two key Assembly segments of Budgam and Nagrota in the UT.
It was not a random statement or any reaction in response to any political statement , instead he stated this while speaking in an exclusive interview with a national TV channel. His tone and tenor looked for real while he made it clear that his position in office is directly tied to the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.Calling it a matter of “political integrity and public trust,” Omar Abdullah said, “If statehood is not restored within the timeframe I have set, I will step aside. My post holds no meaning without the dignity of our state.” The Chief Minister said that he has set himself a finite timeline , wherein if statehood is not given , he will step down from his post.
Even as this statement of Chief Minister is being termed big and how it is going to echo , in coming months , it has to be seen. Yet the timing and tenor of the utterance is being seen as no less than an ultimatum from the NC apparently to put pressure on Centre . Also the CM is well aware of the fact that Congress would not lose sight of the issue nor take a backseat when it comes to taking credits for statehood, no matter when it is granted.
Since the Union Home Minister Amit Shah has once again reaffirmed commitment that statehood would be given back to J&K albeit at 'appropriate time', it is a game of one upmanship between the parties in alliance to have a grip for the sake of addressing respective political constituencies and political benefits on mind. The matter is also scheduled to be taken up once again in the Apex Court soon.
However, Omar's assertion and bold declaration on 'resign' has sent ripples across the political spectrum, triggering intense debate in both Srinagar and New Delhi. Political observers say the statement could reshape the coalition dynamics and pressure the Centre to fast-track the statehood process.
Parties across the Union Territory have begun reacting sharply — while the National Conference has rallied behind its leader’s stance, opposition groups have termed it a “political gamble.”With the countdown now officially on, all eyes are on how the central government responds — and whether Omar Abdullah’s statehood deadline becomes a turning point in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape.
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