NC Statehood Protest in Delhi: BJP Calls It Eyewash as J&K Political Battle Escalates
By: Javid Amin | 17 June 2026
Statehood Protest Becomes New Flashpoint Between NC and BJP in Jammu & Kashmir
The political fight over Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood restoration has intensified, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attacking the National Conference’s proposed protest in New Delhi, calling it an “eyewash” and accusing the Omar Abdullah-led government of using the issue to divert attention from governance challenges.
The National Conference (NC), however, has maintained that its planned sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar will go ahead and has appealed to INDIA bloc partners to participate in the demonstration.
The confrontation highlights a larger political struggle in J&K — between the NC’s demand for restoration of full statehood and the BJP’s argument that the issue must be viewed alongside governance, security and development concerns.
BJP’s Charge: “NC Is Diverting Attention From Governance Failures”
Leader of Opposition in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma criticised the NC government’s decision to hold a protest in Delhi.
Calling the programme an “eyewash,” Sharma alleged that the government was attempting to shift public focus away from basic issues affecting citizens.
He raised concerns over:
- Electricity shortages
- Drinking water problems
- Alleged corruption
- Governance failures
According to Sharma, the government should focus on solving daily public problems instead of organising political programmes outside Jammu & Kashmir.
He claimed that the administration had failed to deliver on governance and described the current situation as lacking effective performance.
NC’s Response: Statehood Is a Democratic Right
The National Conference has rejected the BJP’s criticism and maintained that restoration of statehood remains a legitimate political demand.
NC MP Mian Altaf reiterated that the party’s protest would take place as planned and described statehood restoration as a democratic right of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
For the NC, the issue is not merely administrative but connected with:
- Political representation
- Democratic empowerment
- Restoration of the region’s previous constitutional position
The party argues that Jammu & Kashmir’s conversion from a full state into a Union Territory reduced the authority of elected representatives.
Why Statehood Has Become the Main Political Issue After Article 370
The latest confrontation reflects a major shift in Jammu & Kashmir politics.
Before 2019, Article 370 was the biggest political issue dominating regional debates.
After the abrogation of Article 370 and the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, the focus has increasingly moved towards:
- Restoration of statehood
- Strengthening the elected government
- Expanding administrative powers
The National Conference has positioned statehood as an immediate demand, while continuing to maintain its opposition to the 2019 constitutional changes.
BJP’s Position: Statehood Commitment Linked With Security Situation
Sunil Sharma stated that the BJP remains committed to restoring statehood but added that the decision would depend on the prevailing security environment.
The BJP has consistently argued that the post-2019 changes improved:
- Security conditions
- Governance systems
- Development opportunities
The party presents the restoration of statehood as a future step after ensuring stability.
BJP Highlights Post-2014 Changes in J&K
The BJP leader also highlighted what he described as changes in Jammu & Kashmir over the last decade.
He referred to the decline of:
- Frequent shutdowns
- Stone-pelting incidents
- Fear and disruption
and argued that normal activities such as education, business and public movement have improved.
The BJP’s political narrative remains centred around the argument that the removal of Article 370 created a new environment for development and security.
NC vs BJP: Two Different Narratives About J&K’s Future
The statehood debate has become a symbol of competing political visions.
National Conference Narrative
The NC argues:
- Statehood should be restored without delay
- Elected institutions need more powers
- Constitutional promises should be honoured
The party views statehood as necessary for restoring political confidence among people.
BJP Narrative
The BJP argues:
- Security and stability must remain priorities
- Post-2019 changes brought improvements
- Statehood restoration will happen at an appropriate stage
The party highlights development and security achievements as evidence of its approach.
The Delhi Protest: Political Test for Omar Abdullah Government
The proposed Jantar Mantar protest will be an important political moment for the National Conference government.
For Omar Abdullah, the challenge is to demonstrate that the statehood demand has broad public support.
For the BJP, the challenge is to defend its post-2019 policy while addressing growing political pressure over restoration of statehood.
The protest may also test opposition unity, with NC seeking support from INDIA bloc partners.
Conclusion: Statehood Debate Defines New Phase of J&K Politics
The clash between the BJP and National Conference shows that statehood restoration has become the central political battlefield in Jammu & Kashmir.
While the NC sees statehood as a matter of democratic rights and political dignity, the BJP frames the issue through the lens of security, governance and stability.
As the Delhi protest approaches, the debate is likely to intensify — not only over statehood, but also over how Jammu & Kashmir’s political future should be shaped after 2019.
