Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is lobbying for the restoration of statehood while carefully avoiding confrontation with the Centre.
Observers say he is combining this effort with a push for development funds to address pressing issues in the region.
On Thursday, Abdullah met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, marking his second meeting with Shah since assuming office in October 2024.
During the meeting, Abdullah reiterated his demand for statehood, which remains his primary focus. He described the talks as constructive and expressed optimism about the ongoing discussions. “Statehood was discussed,” he said.
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He also addressed the Transaction of Business Rules (TBR), which define the roles of the chief minister, council of ministers, and lieutenant governor. He clarified that framing these rules is the responsibility of the elected government of Jammu and Kashmir, not the Centre. “The elected government will handle it and the Centre has no role in it,” he said.
In his earlier meeting with Shah after the October elections, Abdullah had focused on governance challenges and the necessity of restoring statehood.
He has also sought development funds to address pressing issues in the region. His strategy balances collaboration with the Centre while maintaining his stance on statehood.
Observers describe Abdullah’s approach as pragmatic, aimed at fostering a relationship with the Centre while keeping the focus on statehood. They believe that restoring statehood would allow the elected government greater autonomy to make decisions and fulfil promises made during the elections.
Abdullah has been quick to recognise the limitations of governing as a Union Territory and has sought to build a rapport with the Centre.
He understands that confrontation with the Centre over statehood restoration would not help his cause. Instead, he has been working to cultivate the support of the central leadership to govern Jammu and Kashmir effectively.
In a recent meeting with his party colleagues and MLAs, Abdullah advised them to avoid confrontation with the Centre and focus on governance. This advice followed complaints from MLAs that bureaucrats working under the lieutenant governor were not cooperating, preventing them from addressing issues in their constituencies. Abdullah urged patience, suggesting that statehood might be restored by March.
