Omar Abdullah’s remarks on statehood misleading, desperate: Raman Suri

• “PM, HM have assured restoration at right time”

JAMMU: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Executive Member Raman Suri today slammed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for making misleading statements regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have already given categorical assurances on the floor of Parliament that statehood will be restored at an appropriate time. Therefore, Omar Abdullah’s “hopes fading” remarks are irrelevant and intended only to misguide the people and divert attention from his own government’s shortcomings.

Raman Suri said that the issue of statehood is neither forgotten nor ignored by the Centre; it is linked to the complete restoration of peace and the elimination of militancy in the region. “The BJP government at the Centre is committed to granting statehood back to Jammu and Kashmir, but at a time when peace is fully ensured and development is irreversible. Omar Abdullah should trust the Parliament’s assurances instead of creating unnecessary confusion among people,” he said.

Referring to Omar Abdullah’s statement that he would resign if statehood is not restored within a stipulated time frame, Raman Suri termed it as “a desperate political gimmick” aimed at evoking emotional reactions rather than offering any constructive governance. “This statement clearly shows Omar Abdullah’s restlessness. The Centre has repeatedly stated — both by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah — that Jammu and Kashmir will get statehood at the right time. Instead of politicizing the issue, the Chief Minister should focus on governance, administration, and public welfare within his current constitutional framework,” Suri added.

He pointed out that the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues are already reviewing departmental works, touring various districts, and implementing policies under the constitutional norms of a Union Territory. “If the Chief Minister and his team are already exercising authority and fulfilling their duties, then why keep ranting about statehood? It is clearly being used as a political shield to hide the failures of the present government,” Suri said.

Reacting to Omar Abdullah’s remarks that “if there were no obstacles in governance in a UT setup, every State would be asking for it,” Raman Suri said such an argument is baseless and imaginary. “Contrary to his claims, Union Territories like Chandigarh and Delhi are functioning efficiently, meeting citizens’ aspirations, and setting examples of good governance. What prevents Jammu and Kashmir from doing the same? Governance depends on commitment and efficiency, not on status,” he asserted.

Suri also questioned Omar Abdullah’s claim that certain departments and institutions are not under his control. “Instead of complaining, the Chief Minister should work in coordination with the administration to ensure smooth functioning. The business rules of the Union Territory are under due process, and discussions with the Centre are part of the constitutional mechanism. These matters cannot be rushed for political mileage,” he said.

He added that Omar Abdullah’s repeated attempts to blame the Centre for delays in statehood are politically motivated. “They sought votes on the promise of statehood but are now shifting the responsibility to the Union Government, even when the process is already assured by the highest authorities. This is nothing but an effort to mislead the people and cover up administrative lapses,” Suri stated.

Raman Suri said that Jammu and Kashmir today is witnessing unprecedented development, improved security, and people-centric governance under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “The Chief Minister should work towards consolidating peace and progress rather than indulging in emotional theatrics over statehood. When the time is right, as assured by the nation’s leadership, Jammu and Kashmir will regain its statehood stronger, safer, and more prosperous than before,” he affirmed.