Omar Abdullah Willing to Step Aside for BJP CM to Restore Statehood, NC Rejects Legal Doubts Over UT Elections
By: Javid Amin | Srinagar | 25 June 2025
Amid renewed political debate over the legal legitimacy of elections held in Union Territories, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has made a bold and emotionally charged statement. Responding to critics who question the validity of a Union Territory Assembly, Abdullah dismissed such arguments as “confusing and baseless rhetoric.”
The National Conference (NC), his party, stood firmly behind him, emphasizing that Jammu & Kashmir’s recent elections were conducted in accordance with constitutional norms and that any suggestion otherwise serves only to confuse the public and disrupt political stability.
NC Slams Legal Concerns as “Confusing and Baseless Rhetoric”
A party spokesperson stated, “The electoral process conducted in Jammu & Kashmir is constitutionally valid. Attempts to portray these elections as illegal or invalid are misleading and serve no constructive purpose. Such rhetoric not only disrespects the democratic process but also belittles the will of the people who participated in the elections with great hope and faith.”
The NC asserted that legal frameworks under which the elections were held were vetted and cleared by constitutional authorities and the Election Commission of India. “Any dispute over the legitimacy of these polls can be addressed in the courts, not in press statements,” the spokesperson added.
Omar Abdullah: “If Statehood Requires a BJP CM, I’ll Step Aside”
In a dramatic turn during a media interaction, Omar Abdullah expressed a willingness to make a personal political sacrifice for a greater cause. “If restoring statehood to Jammu & Kashmir requires that the Chief Minister come from the BJP, then I’ll step aside. But let the Centre be honest about it,” he declared.
This comment reveals both Abdullah’s frustration and commitment. His statement is a challenge to the central government, calling for transparent intent rather than behind-the-scenes maneuvering.
Abdullah stressed that for his party, the restoration of full statehood is non-negotiable. “We are not here to cling to power. We are here to restore dignity and autonomy to the people of Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.
Political Sacrifice vs Political Posturing
Abdullah’s comments have been widely interpreted as a signal that the NC is ready to take risks and endure political setbacks if they result in the long-awaited return to full statehood. Political analysts believe that such a strong position may resonate with the electorate, especially youth and civil society groups, who increasingly view statehood as a return to normalcy and self-respect.
However, critics argue that statements like these may be more about political posturing than feasible proposals. Still, the emotional tone and historical context of Omar’s statement—his party’s long-standing commitment to the people of the region—lend it weight beyond politics.
No Chance of Alliance with BJP, Reaffirms NC
In the same breath, Omar Abdullah reaffirmed that there is “no chance” of a political alliance between the National Conference and the BJP. “We are willing to engage with the Centre constructively. But engagement is not endorsement,” he clarified.
The NC’s stance is deeply rooted in ideological differences with the BJP, particularly over the handling of Article 370, statehood, and civil liberties in Jammu & Kashmir. The party made it clear that its cooperation with the Centre is limited to issues of governance and does not signal political alignment.
“We are here to ensure that roads are built, hospitals run efficiently, and law and order is maintained. But we are not here to dilute our ideological commitments,” Abdullah noted.
Constitutional Pathways Must Be Respected
Omar Abdullah and the NC emphasized that restoring full statehood is a constitutional obligation, not a political favor. The Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, itself allows for the reversion to statehood. “The delay in restoring statehood is inexplicable and unjust,” said Abdullah.
He also hinted that continued delays could result in political or legal action. “We are exploring all democratic options, including moving the Supreme Court, if the Centre continues to delay its promise,” he said.
Public Sentiment: The Clock Is Ticking
Public sentiment in Jammu & Kashmir remains firmly in favor of restoring full statehood. Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and the subsequent bifurcation of the state, people across the region have consistently expressed their dissatisfaction with the Union Territory model of governance.
Civil society groups, business associations, and youth forums have repeatedly called for the reinstatement of democratic institutions and state-level autonomy. Omar Abdullah’s latest remarks are likely to reinforce and validate these public expectations.
Bottom-Line: A Political Moment of Truth
The current political climate in Jammu & Kashmir is defined by a yearning for democratic restoration, regional identity, and constitutional clarity. Omar Abdullah’s forceful declaration—offering to step aside if it results in the return of statehood—is more than rhetoric; it is a challenge to both the Centre’s honesty and the country’s commitment to federalism.
As the debate over Union Territory elections rages on, the National Conference is choosing to focus on facts, constitutional processes, and the larger vision of dignity and self-governance for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
