Party dismisses talk of partial statehood restoration; Political leaders recall 2019 parallels
By: Javid Amin | Srinagar | 10 Aug 2025
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has firmly rejected swirling rumors that Jammu and Kashmir may undergo another round of bifurcation or partial statehood restoration. The speculation reached fever pitch ahead of August 5—a politically charged date marking six years since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
BJP’s Official Clarification
Senior BJP leaders moved quickly to quell the unease:
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Ashok Koul, BJP’s J&K General Secretary (Organisation), stated:
“There is no proposal for any further bifurcation or restructuring of Jammu and Kashmir’s political status. These rumors are baseless and politically motivated.” -
Another senior BJP leader reiterated that no formal discussions or Cabinet proposals on this matter have taken place.
What Triggered the Speculation?
Political circles in the Valley were abuzz after reports emerged of high-level meetings in New Delhi involving:
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi
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Home Minister Amit Shah
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President Droupadi Murmu
The timing—just before August 5—sparked fears among Kashmir-based political parties and civil society that the Centre might:
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Grant full statehood to Jammu, while
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Retaining Kashmir as a Union Territory.
Political Reactions
The rumor mill prompted sharp responses from regional leaders:
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Omar Abdullah, National Conference Vice-President, posted on X, urging calm but questioning the Centre’s silence over persistent rumors.
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Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, drew parallels with August 2019, when the sudden abrogation of Article 370 caught the Valley off guard:
“This feels eerily similar to 2019—when secrecy, sudden moves, and fear defined the political climate.”
Underlying Tensions
Analysts say this episode reflects:
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Deep-seated anxieties over the region’s unresolved political status.
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The lack of trust between J&K’s populace and New Delhi’s decision-making process.
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Continued calls for full statehood and democratic restoration from mainstream and regional parties.
Conclusion
While the BJP has categorically denied any plans for further bifurcation, the persistence of such rumors underscores a fragile political climate in Jammu and Kashmir. Until the Centre clearly outlines a roadmap for statehood restoration, speculation is likely to remain a recurring feature in the Valley’s political discourse.
