Farooq Abdullah's Fight for Jammu & Kashmir's Statehood Gains Momentum

Ruling National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah announced on Wednesday his intention to push for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at a meeting of INDIA bloc parties scheduled in Delhi. This move follows Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's outreach to 42 political party leaders, including Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, urging them to legislate in favor of statehood restoration during the ongoing Parliament session.

Speaking in Anantnag district, Abdullah expressed hopes that past support from opposition leaders would continue. He noted that the Supreme Court is slated to address the statehood issue on August 8, indicating a pivotal turn in the statehood saga.

Additionally, Abdullah criticized the People's Democratic Party (PDP), led by Mehbooba Mufti, accusing them of compromising Jammu and Kashmir's position by aligning with the BJP, which he claims led to the removal of Articles 370 and 35A. Abdullah emphasized that the NC had offered unconditional support to prevent the BJP-PDP alliance but was ignored.

(With inputs from agencies.)