New Delhi – In a pivotal political move, Jammu and Kashmir may be granted full statehood in the forthcoming winter session of Parliament. Following a recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed optimism as the Prime Minister voiced his support for restoring the region’s statehood. According to reliable sources, the Ministry of Law is preparing a comprehensive proposal to present this change, marking a transformative shift in the governance of Jammu and Kashmir.
This proposal’s roots trace back to previous deliberations in Parliament, where the need to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir was acknowledged, although concrete steps were deferred. Meanwhile, the newly formed government of Jammu and Kashmir has officially dispatched a cabinet recommendation to the Lieutenant Governor, seeking to formally advance the restoration process. Subsequently, the Lieutenant Governor has forwarded this recommendation to the central government, suggesting that the long-standing demand for statehood could soon be realized.
Upon receiving full statehood, the regional government would acquire autonomous control over critical areas such as law enforcement, land regulation, and revenue matters. The existing powers held by the Lieutenant Governor would be effectively dissolved, and a state-appointed Governor would assume the constitutional role. Additionally, Jammu and Kashmir would attain a level of administrative self-sufficiency comparable to other Indian states, reducing its dependency on central oversight for routine governance matters. Financial aid from the central government would also align with the standard assistance provided to all states, further establishing Jammu and Kashmir as an equal participant in the Indian Union.
In a complex political landscape, the central government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has tactically chosen this moment to address statehood. Currently, the BJP does not command an outright majority in Parliament, compelling Prime Minister Modi to seek alliances beyond party lines. By endorsing statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP is signaling a strategic attempt to attract the allegiance of key India Alliance parties, consolidating broader support across the political spectrum. Observers view this statehood initiative as a calculated move by the central government, designed to cultivate favorable alliances and reinforce the Union’s federal framework.
