Former CM writes to all parties, calls restoration a constitutional correction

Srinagar, August 7, 2025: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to all major political parties, including the BJP. He urged them to support a bill in Parliament to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.Abdullah said the public must not see this move as a concession. Instead, he called it an “essential course correction.” He stressed that the statehood issue strikes at the heart of India’s constitutional values and federal structure.

In his letter, Omar Abdullah said, “We must not treat the restoration as a concession but recognize it as an essential course correction.” He warned that without it, India could slide down a dangerous path.He argued that leaders no longer regard the statehood of constituent states as foundational.His statement comes amid rising political debate over the Centre’s 2019 move to abrogate Article 370 and divide J&K into two Union Territories.

The National Conference leader stressed the urgent need to restore J&K’s statehood. He said the 2019 move had replaced constitutional rights with privileges granted at the Centre’s discretion. Dr. Farooq Abdullah, President of the National Conference, supported the call. He also confirmed that the Congress has convened a meeting of opposition parties in New Delhi to discuss the issue.

The National Conference leader stressed the urgent need to restore J&K’s statehood. He said the 2019 move had replaced constitutional rights with privileges granted at the Centre’s discretion. Dr. Farooq Abdullah, President of the National Conference, supported the call. He also confirmed that the Congress has convened a meeting of opposition parties in New Delhi to discuss the issue.

Omar argued that federalism in India is based on recognition of the states’ right to exist and function with dignity. He pointed out that the conversion of J&K into a UT has affected not only governance but also the constitutional spirit of federal balance. “This is not merely a legal adjustment. It is a historical red line that we must never cross,” his letter stressed.

He also dismissed arguments suggesting that Union Territory status was a necessary step. “If the Union were to assume and exercise the unilateral right to downgrade a state to a UT, it would mark a fundamental rupture from our constitutional scheme,” he noted.

Omar argued that reducing J&K to a Union Territory and delaying its statehood had weakened India’s constitutional values. He said the issue goes beyond political interests. According to him, it touches the very core of India’s democratic foundation.

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