J&K CM Omar Abdullah Offers to Resign to Facilitate Statehood Restoration
Srinagar, June 26, 2025 — In a major political development, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he is ready to resign and dissolve the Legislative Assembly if it helps in the restoration of full statehood to the Union Territory.
“If the restoration of statehood requires a BJP Chief Minister or the dissolution of the Assembly, I am ready for both,” Abdullah said during a press conference in Srinagar.
This bold statement comes amidst renewed talks between the Jammu & Kashmir administration and the Central Government over restoring the region’s special status and statehood, which was revoked on August 5, 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated and the state was bifurcated into two Union Territories.
Political Reactions
Multiple political parties and leaders have echoed similar demands:
CPI(M) General Secretary M. A. Baby recently stated in a public rally that “The Centre must restore Article 370 and full statehood to win back the confidence of the people.”
Congress and Apni Party leaders have also pressed for a clear roadmap from the Union Government on statehood.
Constitutional & Legal Debate
There is ongoing discussion among constitutional experts over whether the Legislative Assembly needs to be dissolved before full statehood can be restored.
Some argue that a Parliamentary act alone is enough to grant statehood without dissolving the Assembly (similar to how Himachal Pradesh regained statehood in 1971).
Others believe dissolution would allow for a fresh people’s mandate and avoid a conflict between Union control and local autonomy.
Key Background
In 2024, several resolutions were passed in the J&K Assembly demanding full statehood.
The Supreme Court, in its 2023 verdict on Article 370, had urged the Centre to hold elections in J&K by September 2024, but full statehood was left to legislative/political processes.
Restoration of statehood was a promise made by Home Minister Amit Shah during the debates on the J&K Reorganisation Act.
What Happens Next?
1. Centre’s Response Awaited: So far, no official statement has been made by the Union Government after Omar’s offer.
2. Possible Roadmap:
The Centre may propose dissolving the current Assembly and holding fresh elections under a statehood framework.
Alternatively, a bill may be introduced in Parliament to grant full statehood directly.
3. Impact on Development and Governance:
Restoration of statehood could enhance local accountability, boost infrastructure funding, and improve public trust in governance, especially after recent security concerns.
Conclusion
Omar Abdullah’s offer to resign for the cause of statehood is seen as a turning point in the political narrative of Jammu & Kashmir. It sends a strong message that regional parties are ready to cooperate with the Centre if it leads to the return of full statehood and greater democratic empowerment of the region.
All eyes are now on New Delhi, as political pressure and public expectations build up.
