By : Yasir Beigh
Jammu and Kashmir Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Sunil Sharma has said that fresh Assembly elections would be required if statehood is restored to the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters in Anantnag after meeting several delegations, Sharma argued that the 2024 Assembly elections were conducted under the Union Territory framework and that restoration of statehood would bring a new constitutional arrangement.
“Whenever statehood is restored, there will be new elections in the state,” Sharma said.
He questioned the continuation of the Omar Abdullah-led government if, according to him, the elected administration does not have sufficient authority to take important decisions. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
“If the government has no authority, it would be better for the Chief Minister to dissolve the Assembly,” Sharma said, while questioning how long the government could continue under the existing arrangement.
Sharma also rejected suggestions that the BJP was seeking to bring down the Omar Abdullah government. He said the BJP would not topple the government and would instead continue to raise public issues as the principal Opposition.
“If it topples on its own, we do not have to be responsible for it,” he said.
Statehood to dominate Assembly session
Sharma said the BJP would raise issues concerning statehood and other public concerns during the upcoming Assembly session. He said the Opposition’s role was to highlight problems faced by people and hold the government accountable.
He also criticised Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather over the proposed duration of the session, alleging that the shorter schedule would limit legislators’ opportunity to raise constituency-level issues.
Sharp criticism of Omar Abdullah
The BJP leader also took aim at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s repeated demand for restoration of statehood. Sharma referred to Omar’s earlier remarks that statehood would eventually be restored and questioned the basis for the Chief Minister’s expectations.
Omar Abdullah has repeatedly maintained that restoration of statehood is a key priority of his government. In July, he said that the decision on restoring statehood rests with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Article 370 and development
On Article 370, Sharma said the decision to remove the former constitutional arrangement was taken by Parliament rather than by the BJP alone.
He also defended the Centre’s development record in Jammu and Kashmir over the past decade, arguing that significant development had taken place during this period. These remarks were part of his broader criticism of the National Conference-led administration.
Appeal to protesting daily wagers
Sharma also called for dialogue with daily wagers working in essential departments, including the Power Development Department (PDD), Public Works Department (PWD) and public health facilities.
He appealed to the protesting workers to consider ending their strike if the government agreed to negotiations, while urging the administration to take the initiative and begin talks.
Sharma said the BJP would continue to raise public concerns in the Assembly and rejected the suggestion that his political activities were aimed at seeking votes or bringing down the government.
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