BJP MP says PM committed to J&K statehood without need for resolution

BJP Member of Parliament Tarun Chugh on Monday stated that the Union government's commitment to granting statehood to Jammu and Kashmir does not require validation through an assembly resolution, undercutting a recent move by the National Conference in the regional legislature.

Chugh characterized the resolution, passed by the J&K Assembly in recent days, as a political maneuver designed to shift public focus away from substantive governance issues. The assertion reflects the ruling party's stance that its position on statehood restoration remains firm and does not hinge on legislative motions by regional parties.

The remarks come as the question of Jammu and Kashmir's constitutional status continues to generate political debate in the Union Territory. The Centre revoked the region's special constitutional status in August 2019 and restructured it as a Union Territory, a move that prompted demands from various quarters for the restoration of statehood.

The BJP's position, as articulated by Chugh, emphasizes that the central government's commitment on the matter is independent of political theatre in the assembly. The National Conference, which dominates the current J&K Assembly following recent elections, had championed the resolution as an expression of public sentiment on the statehood question.