Rahul Gandhi writes to PM Modi, demanding restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. Appeals for a bill in the Parliament's monsoon session.
New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the letter, he has appealed for a bill to be brought during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Rahul Gandhi has called it a legitimate demand based on the sentiments of the people, in accordance with the Constitution and democracy. However, sources say that the government has no such plan.
Rahul Gandhi expresses concern, writes letter to PM
Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has written an important letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In this letter, he has appealed to the government to introduce a bill in the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Rahul Gandhi wrote in his letter that this demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is completely legitimate, based on constitutional and democratic rights. He said that in the past five years, the residents there have repeatedly raised their voices for the restoration of statehood, which can no longer be ignored.
Jammu and Kashmir becomes a Union Territory from a state
On August 5, 2019, the central government revoked Article 370, ending the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Along with this, the state was divided into two Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. This was the first time in the history of the Indian Republic that the status of a full state was reduced and converted into a Union Territory.
What the letter says
Rahul Gandhi wrote in his letter, "In the last five years, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have repeatedly demanded that they be given statehood again. They feel that their constitutional rights have been violated."
He also mentioned that in the history of India, Union Territories have been given statehood many times, such as – Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Goa. But this was the first time that a state was downgraded and made a Union Territory.
No indication from the government
According to sources, the government has no plans to bring such a bill in the monsoon session of Parliament starting from July 21. This indicates that the government is not currently prioritizing the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
However, the government had earlier told the Supreme Court that statehood would be restored "at an appropriate time." But so far, no concrete timeline or legislative process has come to light.
Bills that may be presented in the Parliament's monsoon session
While there is no clear policy of the government regarding Jammu and Kashmir, on the other hand, preparations are underway to introduce several important bills in the monsoon session of Parliament. These include –
- Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025
- Taxation Law (Amendment) Bill, 2025
- Jan Vishwas (Amendment) Bill, 2025
- Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025
- Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025
- National Sports Governance Bill, 2025
- National Anti Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025
These bills include several proposals related to economic, administrative, and institutional reforms. But no bill related to the political future of Jammu and Kashmir appears in this list.
