If statehood needs BJP CM, I’ll step aside; let centre be honest: J&K CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, June 25: Demanding that the central government come clean about its intentions, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said he is ready to make way for a BJP Chief Minister if that is what it takes to restore statehood to J&K.

Omar said the central government should clearly state whether statehood will only be granted under a BJP-led government in Jammu and Kashmir.

“If statehood needs a BJP CM, I’ll step aside. At least the people of Jammu and Kashmir will get back their statehood,” he said.

Omar asserted that his government is fully committed to fulfilling the promises made to the people over a five-year term. He emphasized that expectations must align with democratic timelines.

“The mandate given to me is not for five weeks or five months, but for five years,” he said.

Highlighting recent developments, Omar noted improvements in the electricity supply compared to last year and progress on major infrastructure projects.

“Only yesterday, we approved a ₹10,600 crore package for road and tunnel connectivity,” he said.

Responding to PDP leader Muzaffar Hussain Baigh’s remark that he should resign if he cannot deliver, Omar said: “Why should I resign? Did anyone resign in 2016 when people were dying? Back then, we were hearing about milk and toffees. No apology was ever made.”

Defending his government’s record, Omar said, “We haven’t betrayed our mandate. Did you expect the Assembly to pass a resolution for special status? You didn’t. But we did it.”

On the reservation issue, Omar said the matter has been referred to the Law Department for legal clarity.

“We want to ensure that no Cabinet decision gets stuck in court. That’s why we’ve followed due process,” he said.

He added that the sub-committee on reservation had worked faster than expected. “Many thought the committee would take six years, but it completed its report and submitted it quickly,” he said. “This problem wasn’t created by me, but I’m trying to solve it,” he added.

Omar also criticized PDP leaders for their silence when reservation quotas were being increased.

“Where was Mehbooba Mufti’s voice then? Where was Sajjad Lone’s voice? They were busy looking for government houses and security,” he said.

He alleged that PDP leaders avoided raising objections to safeguard electoral interests. “They wanted both Pahari and Gujjar votes in Rajouri-Poonch. So they told their candidates not to say a word about reservation. Now, after losing the elections, they are suddenly raising their voices,” he said.

He said the Cabinet will soon take a final call on the reservation issue once the Law Department completes its review.

“We are not touching the part of reservation that comes under Parliament. But we will act on the part that is within our authority,” he said.

He concluded by stressing that the government will avoid any move that could be legally challenged.

“We want to make decisions that are legally sound and beneficial to the people,” he said. (KNS)