NC Steps Up Statehood Push Amid Growing Discontent Among Legislators

SRINAGAR: The National Conference (NC) has resolved to intensify its campaign for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, with party legislators set to travel to New Delhi on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session to press for constitutional guarantees and democratic rights for the erstwhile state.

The decision was taken during a marathon meeting of the NC Legislature Party chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, where senior leaders, ministers and MLAs held extensive deliberations on the prevailing political and governance situation in the region.

Addressing the media after the meeting, NC Chief Spokesperson and MLA Tanvir Sadiq said the party would raise the issue “forcefully” in the national capital, asserting that the people of J&K deserve the restoration of their democratic rights and constitutional protections. He described statehood as the party’s foremost and non-negotiable political priority, underlining that the time had come to “reclaim what has been snatched” from the people.

The NC leadership reiterated that its struggle would remain within the ambit of democratic and constitutional means, even as it seeks to build broader political consensus by reaching out to other parties during the Parliament session.

As part of this strategy, the party also announced a protest in New Delhi on the first day of the Monsoon Session, likely to be held at Jantar Mantar or another designated venue. The demonstration, Sadiq said, would centre on the dual demand for restoration of statehood and constitutional safeguards, which the party considers intrinsic to the identity and rights of the people of J&K. He stressed that these demands are not merely political slogans but reflect the aspirations and sentiments of the people.

Significantly, Wednesday's meeting also brought to the fore a range of grievances voiced by NC legislators, pointing to a growing sense of disconnect between elected representatives and the administrative machinery. Several MLAs expressed concern that the bureaucracy has been largely unresponsive and, at times, indifferent to the issues flagged by them on behalf of their constituencies. They argued that repeated representations on developmental needs, public grievances and local priorities have not been adequately addressed, leaving them unable to fulfil the expectations of the people who elected them.

This perceived administrative inertia, legislators warned, is widening the gap between them and their voters, eroding public trust and weakening the effectiveness of democratic representation. MLAs emphasised that without greater accountability and responsiveness from officials, it becomes increasingly difficult for elected representatives to deliver on basic governance and development promises.

The sources said that many participants stressed that this situation reinforces the urgency of restoring full statehood, which they believe would re-establish a clearer chain of accountability and empower the elected government to function more effectively.

The meeting itself was notable for its unusual setting, with Chief Minister Abdullah leading ministers and legislators to Dachigam National Park on the outskirts of Srinagar city for a day-long off-site review and strategy session. All participants had initially assembled at the Chief Minister’s residence along the Gupkar Road here before being transported to the venue, where elaborate arrangements had been made in advance. The move sparked speculation in political circles about a last-minute change of plans, but Abdullah dismissed such claims, clarifying through posts on 'X' that the off-site was pre-planned and intended to allow a comprehensive review of the government’s performance over the past 19 months.

Describing the exercise as an opportunity to take stock of “the good, the not so good, and everything in between,” the Chief Minister underscored the importance of introspection and course correction. The off-site format, sources indicated, was designed to facilitate candid discussions on governance challenges, political strategy, and future priorities in a less formal environment.

The meeting generated considerable political interest, particularly against the backdrop of opposition criticism and ongoing debates over J&K’s constitutional status. For the NC, however, the message emerging from the deliberations was clear: the demand for restoration of statehood, coupled with concerns over administrative functioning and grassroots governance, will remain at the centre of its political agenda in the coming months.