J&K pushed into position of constitutional, political inferiority: Gupta
18/07/2026
Jammu, Jul 18: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta on Saturday accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of delaying the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that its people had been subjected to "broken promises, constitutional discrimination and political uncertainty".
Addressing a meeting of Jammu district functionaries at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here, Gupta alleged that the Centre had repeatedly shifted the goalposts on the issue of restoration of statehood.
"First, we were told that delimitation had to be completed. Then it was said Assembly elections must be held. Later, peace and normalcy became the excuse. Today, all these conditions stand fulfilled," Gupta said.
He said people had participated enthusiastically in elections, an elected government was functioning, the security situation had improved and tourism was witnessing significant growth, while a large number of devotees were peacefully undertaking the Vaishno Devi and Shri Amarnathji pilgrimages. "What excuse remains now?" he asked.
Gupta said the BJP owed an answer to the people of Jammu and Kashmir over what he described as the failure to fulfil repeated assurances regarding the restoration of statehood.
"The people of Jammu and Kashmir are asking a simple question: If not now, then when?" he said.
The NC leader claimed that Jammu and Kashmir had been pushed into a position of "constitutional and political inferiority" and said the demand for restoration of statehood transcended political affiliations and represented the collective democratic aspiration of its people.
He cautioned that any further delay could deepen public disappointment and raise concerns over the Centre's commitment to democratic values and the country's federal structure.
Gupta urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to introduce and pass a Statehood Restoration Bill during the current session of Parliament.
Share This Story |
|
Comment On This Story |
|
|
|
|