Farooq Abdullah invites Opposition, BJP for J&K statehood protest

Srinagar: The ruling National Conference president, Farooq Abdullah, has reached out to political parties across J&K and leaders from across the country inviting them to join the peaceful, democratic protest at Jantar Mantar on the opening day of the monsoon session of the parliament.

"This is not about one party, one region, or one people. It is about defending India’s federal spirit, upholding the constitution, and demanding the long-overdue restoration of J&K’s statehood, as repeatedly promised," said Abdullah in a letter.

Omar Abdullah led goverment in J&K which came to power in October 2024, faces criticism for being unable to deliver on the promises of fighting to get back statehood and special status. The party has maintained strategic silence over the restoration of Article 370 and 35 (A) but keep raking up the issue of restoration of statehood, as was promised by the BJP led central goverment. The BJP has said that after delimitation exercise in J&K assembly elections would be held and then the statehood would be restored.


Farooq Abdullah hoped that every democratic voice across the country will stand united in this collective cause..

"On the floor of the parliament we were promised that statehood would be restored at appropriate time. People of J&K have remained dignified and patient as we accepted these assurances in good faith. We did not take to the streets, we went instead to the ballot box," Abdullah wrote in the letter. Abdullah said that the protest would be peaceful and the demands would not transgress those that have been already promised. "I count upon your solidarity," said Abdullah.

The NC has invited 52 leaders inclduing Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Sat Sharma for J&K statehood protest at Jantar Mantar. The NC has invited BJP, Congress, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, PDP, Apni Party, People's Conference, CPI(M), AIMIM, BJD, BSP, NC and several other national and regional parties to join protest statehood.