Omar Abdullah, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has stated his willingness to resign if it facilitates the restoration of statehood to the region. This declaration comes amidst reports suggesting that the central government may dissolve the current assembly to pave the way for fresh elections. Abdullah emphasized the need for clarity from the central government regarding the conditions for restoring the region’s autonomy, including the specifics of any potential elections.
Abdullah highlighted the advantages of a State assembly, specifically the greater autonomy it provides over crucial issues like public order and police control, which currently fall under central governance in the Union Territory. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to its five-year term and the promises made. National Conference President Farooq Abdullah dismissed reports of the assembly’s dissolution as a prerequisite. BJP leader Ashok Koul urged Abdullah to focus on his current mandate. Legal experts suggest that amending the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, through parliamentary law could be sufficient for reinstating the State Assembly, although the unique context of Jammu and Kashmir adds complexity.
