Sunil Sharma: Restoration of J&K’s Statehood Solely Parliament’s Prerogative
Jammu 24 May 2025: Senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma, Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, has reaffirmed the BJP’s stance on J&K’s statehood, emphasizing that its restoration is solely the prerogative of Parliament. Sharma’s remarks come amid ongoing debates on J&K’s political future, with opposition parties pushing for immediate statehood restoration.
Key Statements from LoP Sunil Sharma
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Parliament’s Role: Sharma emphasized that statehood will be restored at the right time, but only through Parliament and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This underscores the BJP’s commitment to following constitutional processes in determining J&K’s political status.
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Opposition Parties’ Role: He urged people not to be misled by opposition claims, stating that the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have no role in the matter of statehood restoration. Sharma suggested that people should demand basic amenities like free electricity, extra ration, and subsidized LPG from these parties, rather than expecting them to influence statehood restoration.
BJP’s Visit to Border Areas
Sharma made these remarks during a visit to Tangdhar in Karnah, Kupwara district, where he assessed the impact of recent cross-border shelling and engaged with affected families. A delegation of senior BJP leaders, including J&K BJP President Sat Sharma and National Secretary Dr. Narinder Singh, visited several shelling-affected villages to express solidarity with residents.
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Solidarity with Affected Families: The BJP leaders assured locals that their grievances would be submitted to the Government of India for relief, compensation, and long-term rehabilitation measures. This visit highlights the BJP’s commitment to supporting those affected by cross-border tensions.
Political Context & Public Sentiment
Sharma’s remarks reinforce the BJP’s stance that statehood will be restored at an appropriate time, rather than under pressure from regional parties. The BJP’s approach to J&K’s statehood reflects a broader strategy of managing the region’s political future through central governance and security measures.
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Public Expectations: The people of Jammu and Kashmir are keenly watching the developments regarding statehood restoration. While some support the BJP’s cautious approach, others demand immediate restoration of statehood and greater autonomy.
Bottom-Line
The debate over J&K’s statehood continues, with the BJP maintaining that its restoration is a parliamentary prerogative. As the situation unfolds, the role of Parliament and the central government will be crucial in determining the future political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
