Jammu and Kashmir's Deputy Chief Minister, Surendra Choudhary, has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to restore statehood to the region from the Red Fort on the 79th Independence Day. He described it as a long-standing demand of the people and a necessary step for development. The recent assembly election results are also seen as supporting this demand.
Jammu & Kashmir: Jammu and Kashmir's Deputy Chief Minister, Surendra Choudhary, has urged the central government to fulfill the promise made after 2019, which assured the restoration of statehood at the appropriate time. He stated that this is the most opportune moment and expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will announce it from the Red Fort on the 79th Independence Day. He described it as a necessary step for the state's political stability, dignity, and development, and considered the recent assembly election results as an indication of the public's clear desire.
Hope for Restoration from the Red Fort
Jammu and Kashmir's Deputy Chief Minister, Surendra Choudhary, has stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should announce the restoration of statehood from the Red Fort on the 79th Independence Day. He believes that this decision will give a new direction to the political stability and development of the region. Addressing a National Conference meeting in Tali Morh Bari, he recalled the events of August 5, 2019, stating that a full state was arbitrarily divided into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh—which the citizens never accepted.
Demand for Implementation of the Central Government's Promise
Surendra Choudhary has appealed to the central government to fulfill the promise made after 2019, which mentioned restoring statehood at the right time. He said that this is the most appropriate time and hopes that the Prime Minister will announce it in his Independence Day speech. He also mentioned the schemes of the Omar Abdullah government, including free travel for women in buses, an increase in marriage assistance to ₹75,000, 200 units of free electricity, and pension schemes.
Public Desire Seen in Electoral Results
National Conference Provincial President Ratan Lal Gupta said that the results of the 2024 assembly elections have made it clear that the public is not happy with the 2019 decision. The massive mandate received by the NC-Congress alliance is proof that people want the restoration of statehood and the central government should respect this public sentiment.
