Omar Abdullah expresses willingness to pave way for BJP CM if statehood restored to J&K

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, JUNE 25 (STC): Efforts of the National Conference (NC) – led Jammu and Kashmir government took a new, but interesting turn when Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today expressed his willingness to handover chief ministership to BJP if it paves way to restore statehood.
In an interview with local news agency, KNS, Omar said central government should state clearly whether statehood will only be granted under a BJP-led government in J&K. “If statehood needs a BJP CM, I’ll step aside. At least the people of Jammu and Kashmir will get back their statehood”, he said.
Omar said that his government is fully committed to fulfill the promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir over its five-year term.
He added that expectations must align with democratic timelines, and that the mandate given to him is not for five weeks or months, but for a full term.
Omar said that electricity supply has improved compared to last year and that key infrastructure projects are being pushed forward. “Only yesterday, we approved a Rs. 10,600 crore package for road and tunnel connectivity,” he said.
Reacting to a remark made by Muzaffar Hussain Baigh that he should resign if he cannot perform, Omar said, “Why should I resign? Did anyone resign in 2016 when people were dying? At that time, we were hearing about milk and toffees. No apology was ever made,” he said.
He said that his government has not betrayed its mandate. “Did you expect that the Assembly would pass a resolution for special status? You didn’t. But we did it,” he said.
On the reservation issue, Omar said the matter has been referred to the law department for legal clarity. “We want to ensure that no cabinet decision gets stuck in court. That’s why we have followed due process,” he said.
Omar also criticised PDP leaders for remaining silent when the reservation quota was being increased. “Where was Mehbooba Mufti’s voice then? Where was Sajjad Lone’s voice? They were busy looking for government houses and security,” he said.
Omar said the cabinet will soon take a final call on the reservation issue once the law department completes its review. “We are not touching the part of reservation that comes under Parliament. But we will act on the part that is within our authority,” he said.
(STC)