Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that there is a growing impression that J&K may not get Statehood because the BJP failed to win the last Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar on September 24, 2025, he stressed that the BJP was the only party that opposed the restoration of Statehood. Omar Abdullah repeated that J&K may not get Statehood only because the BJP lost, which he called an injustice.
Abdullah reminded that the Centre and the Supreme Court had promised a three-step process—delimitation, elections, and then Statehood. He said the first two steps had been completed. People turned out in large numbers to vote, yet the process stalled because BJP could not secure victory. “People cannot be punished for BJP’s defeat,” he remarked.
He also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not mentioning Statehood in his national address. According to Abdullah, opposition to Statehood restoration comes only from the BJP.
On tourism, the Chief Minister admitted that visitor numbers remained below expectations despite efforts. He also defended the “I Love Muhammad” campaign, calling criticism of it baseless. He argued that expressing devotion to religious figures cannot be treated as illegal.
Abdullah said his government would continue to fight for Statehood while addressing other pressing issues in the Union Territory.
