Even as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of J&K asserted that he has no objections if the Legislative Assembly has to be dissolved and fresh elections are to be conducted after statehood is restored to Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Home Ministry is understood to be considering the move seriously and this may be announced during forthcoming Monsoon session of Parliament.
Abdullah, who was sworn in as the first chief minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in October last year, said that statehood is the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.“I know the reports in a section of media about grating statehood will be only after conduct of fresh Assembly elections is only a pressure move to threaten or scare the MLAs of ruling party.....This statehood is not for any MLA or the government. This statehood is for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and we MLAs will not be an obstacle in it.....", Omar said adding dissolving of Assembly is no issue for the government. However, the statehood is important and above any issue, he further said.
On the other hand consultations are said to be underway between the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and key stakeholders regarding the restoration of full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir. The proposed legislation is expected to be introduced during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, tentatively scheduled between August 1 and 9, as per reliable sources.
Sources close to the discussions indicate that the Centre does not intend to hold Assembly elections before restoring statehood, putting to rest speculation about polls being conducted under the Union Territory framework. “The government is keen on fulfilling the assurance made in Parliament regarding statehood restoration. The aim is to complete this process before the 2026 Census and any possible delimitation exercise,” a senior official said.
Officials in North Block are reportedly coordinating with the Law Ministry, Election Commission, and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs to finalize the structure of the proposed legislation. Technical discussions are ongoing to ensure that administrative readiness is in place.Security agencies have been directed to monitor public sentiment and maintain law and order during the political transition. Intelligence units at both central and UT levels have been tasked with tracking developments and preempting any disruption.
Informal consultations are believed to be underway with political parties in J&K, Analysts believe that the timing reflects a broader strategic recalibration, ahead of key national milestones.
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