Statehood will be restored at appropriate time as promised by PM, HM: Ashok Koul

Srinagar Jun 23: Amid renewed calls from regional political parties for the restoration of J&K’s statehood, BJP General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul reiterated that the Centre is committed to restoring statehood at an “appropriate time,” as assured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

Koul was responding to National Conference (NC) chief spokesman Tanvir Sadiq’s recent statement that all major parties in the region — NC, BJP, and Congress — unanimously want the return of statehood without delay. The BJP leader, however, clarified that the timing will be decided in accordance with the Government’s roadmap. “Statehood will be restored as promised. But not before the right time,” he said while talking to newsmen after paying tributes to Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his death anniversary.

The senior BJP leader also dismissed speculation around the possibility of fresh elections in J&K, asserting that elections will not be held before the completion of the five-year term unless the present government steps down. “There won’t be any fresh elections before five years. If Omar sahib (NC Vice President Omar Abdullah) dissolves the assembly or resigns, only then there will be elections. These are all false claims otherwise,” he said.

Ashok Koul also responded to recent remarks of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah regarding not supplying water to Punjab. He said that Jammu itself is battling a serious water crisis, with many areas facing acute shortages. “Punjab has three major rivers. They don’t need our water. Instead, water must be given to the people of Jammu who are in dire need,” he said.

His comments come in the backdrop of mounting public anger in parts of Jammu over inadequate water supply during the peak summer season.

Regarding the recent decision by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to return business rules file, Koul said that the government must ensure all proposals and regulations are well-prepared and legally sound. “Let them prepare the rules in a proper way. Once that is done, they will be passed,” he said.

This statement appears to reference the return of legislative business proposals by the LG’s office, a move that some opposition leaders had criticized as interference in the democratic process.

Koul also commented on the safe return of students from conflict-affected Iran, assuring that all Indian students will be repatriated safely. “The Govt of India is monitoring the situation closely, and all students will return hale and hearty,” he added.

Earlier, Koul and other BJP leaders paid tributes to Bharatiya Jana Sangh’s founding president Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his death anniversary, saying his invaluable contribution in nation-building will always be remembered with reverence. He said Mookerjee displayed incomparable courage and strength to maintain the country’s integrity.