As the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 approaches, a flurry of high-level political activity in New Delhi has triggered renewed speculation about the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. In recent days, President Droupadi Murmu has held back-to-back meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, setting off a wave of curiosity and chatter on social media and among political observers.
The timing of these meetings is significant. August 5 marks six years since the central government revoked Article 370, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special constitutional status and bifurcating it into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Since then, the region has been directly governed by the Centre through a Lieutenant Governor, with occasional promises that full statehood would be restored “at an appropriate time.”
Political Consultations Add to Buzz
Adding fuel to the speculation, Home Minister Amit Shah has also met with several key political figures from the region, including BJP leaders from the erstwhile state and representatives of various Jammu and Kashmir-based parties. Sources indicate that these meetings were not merely courtesy calls but involved detailed discussions on the political future of the Union Territory.
Though the government has not officially confirmed any timeline for restoring statehood, the sequence and intensity of these engagements—especially in the week leading up to August 5—have led many to believe that a major announcement may be on the horizon.
Signals from the BJP
The BJP leadership has repeatedly stated that statehood will be restored once the situation in Jammu and Kashmir stabilizes. In recent months, the region has witnessed a notable decline in militancy-related incidents and an increase in voter registration drives, both of which may be seen as indicators of a return to relative normalcy.
BJP leaders from Jammu and Kashmir have also hinted at forthcoming developments. A few have publicly stated that they expect “good news” for the people of the region soon. However, the central leadership has maintained a studied silence, neither confirming nor denying the speculations.
Social Media Reactions
Across social media platforms, hashtags like #JammuAndKashmir, #StatehoodForJK, and #Article370 have been trending. Users, journalists, and political commentators have been closely analysing the body language and phrasing used in the official readouts of the President’s and ministers’ meetings.
Some believe the government may use the anniversary as an opportunity to make a reconciliatory gesture towards the region, especially with an eye on possible Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Others argue that the Centre may delay any decision until after the completion of ongoing security and electoral groundwork.
What Lies Ahead?
While no official confirmation has been made, the political buzz is unmistakable. If the restoration of statehood is indeed on the cards, it could mark a significant shift in the Centre’s approach toward Jammu and Kashmir—a move that may not only influence regional politics but also have wider national implications.
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