Amid NDA Meeting, Speculation Mounts Over Restoration of J&K Statehood

NEW DELHI – An air of anticipation hangs over the nation’s capital as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) held a parliamentary party meeting on August 5, with widespread speculation that the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood could be on the agenda. The meeting, which was addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, coincides with the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories.

The buzz surrounding a potential major announcement has intensified following a series of high-level meetings in Delhi. Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah separately met with President Droupadi Murmu, a move that fueled the rumor mill. While officials have remained tight-lipped, the timing of these meetings, just ahead of a significant anniversary for Jammu and Kashmir, has captured the attention of political observers and the media alike.

The possibility of statehood restoration has been a topic of continuous debate since the 2019 decision. Both Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah have, on multiple occasions, stated that statehood would be restored to Jammu and Kashmir at an “appropriate time.” The Supreme Court, in its December 2023 ruling upholding the abrogation of Article 370, also directed the government to restore statehood “at the earliest.”

The recent state assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, which saw the formation of a government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, have added a new dimension to the discussion. Abdullah himself has been vocal about the demand for statehood, although he played down the possibility of an immediate announcement, describing his belief that nothing would happen on August 5 as a “gut feeling.” However, he has expressed optimism about a positive outcome during the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament.

While the NDA meeting’s official agenda remains undisclosed, sources indicate that other crucial issues were also discussed. The alliance members reportedly felicitated Prime Minister Modi for his government’s success in “Operation Sindoor,” a military response to a recent terror attack. The meeting is also seen as a platform to strategize for the upcoming Vice Presidential election, necessitated by the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Despite the swirl of rumors and political maneuvering, a sense of cautious optimism prevails among many in Jammu and Kashmir. The restoration of statehood is a promise that has been made, and with an elected government now in place, the clamor for its fulfillment has grown stronger. As the NDA deliberates behind closed doors, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on Delhi, awaiting any signal of a significant shift in the future of Jammu and Kashmir.