Statehood – BJP Questions National Conference’s Planned Protest Over Jammu and Kashmir Status

Statehood –  The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticised the National Conference’s decision to organise a protest in New Delhi on July 20 seeking the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh accused the ruling party in the Union Territory of using the issue to divert public attention from what he described as its inability to fulfil key electoral commitments.

BJP Alleges Political Diversion

Speaking during an interaction at a public event in Delhi on Friday, Chugh said the National Conference was attempting to shift the political conversation instead of focusing on governance. According to him, the party had received the responsibility of running almost every government department except the Home Department, yet it had failed to deliver on important promises, including employment-related commitments.

He argued that the demand for statehood was being raised despite repeated assurances from the Union government that the matter would be addressed at an appropriate stage. Chugh maintained that governance and development should remain the immediate priorities of the elected administration.

Reference to Omar Abdullah’s Meeting With Prime Minister

The BJP leader also referred to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 11. During that interaction, the Chief Minister is understood to have requested an early restoration of statehood for the Union Territory.

Despite those discussions, the National Conference later announced its decision to hold a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. The protest is scheduled for July 20 and is intended to press the Centre to move forward on the issue of restoring full statehood.

Invitations Sent to Political and Religious Leaders

As part of its preparations for the protest, the National Conference has reached out to 52 political and religious leaders from different parts of the country, inviting them to participate in the demonstration. The party hopes to gather broader political support for its demand and highlight the issue at the national level.

The planned event is expected to bring together leaders from multiple backgrounds to express support for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.

BJP Questions Election Promises

Chugh also questioned the National Conference over the implementation of its election manifesto. He claimed that several promises made before the elections remain unfulfilled and asked whether any major commitment had been successfully implemented since the party assumed office.

According to the BJP leader, instead of concentrating on administrative responsibilities and public welfare, the ruling party was attempting to redirect political attention by raising an issue that, in his view, had already received assurances from the Central government.

Centre Reiterates Development Commitment

While responding to questions, Chugh reiterated that the Narendra Modi-led government remains committed to the development of both Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. He said the Centre’s initiatives have resulted in visible improvements in infrastructure, transparency and public services across the region.

He further stated that tourism has recovered significantly and described the present situation as one marked by greater peace and development. Chugh credited the Union government’s policies for these changes and said efforts to strengthen economic growth and governance would continue.

Assurance on Constitutional Rights

Reaffirming the Centre’s position, Chugh said the government remains committed to protecting the constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He added that the restoration of statehood continues to be part of the government’s commitment and would be considered at a suitable time in accordance with its stated position.