BJP politically unsettled by public support for Abdullah family: Gupta

19/09/2026

JAMMU, Sep 18: Reacting to Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma's remarks that the Abdullah family wants restoration of Statehood to revive its "lost kingdom", J&K National Conference Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta said the issue should not be personalised or reduced to the political interests of any individual or family.
Gupta said the demand for restoration of Statehood concerns the constitutional and democratic status of Jammu and Kashmir and the administrative interests of its people.
"Statehood concerns the constitutional position, democratic aspirations and administrative interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It is therefore important that the debate remains focused on the rights and interests of the people rather than on personal or family-centric allegations," he said.
He said the National Conference had consistently raised the issue of restoration of Statehood and that the elected government led by Omar Abdullah had also placed it among its important demands. He recalled that the NC government passed a resolution seeking restoration of Statehood in its first Cabinet meeting after assuming office in 2024.
Gupta said the contributions and sacrifices of generations of National Conference leaders and workers could not be dismissed through political rhetoric.
He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had their own assessment of the contribution of political parties and leaders.
"Our focus should remain on democracy, development, Statehood, employment and the welfare of the people," Gupta said.
He added that the continued public engagement of the National Conference reflected the strength of its grassroots organisation and said that under the leadership of Omar Abdullah, the elected government was committed to pursuing development and people-oriented governance across Jammu and Kashmir.

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