J&K CM to launch signature campaign for statehood; Oppn reacts
In his Independence Day speech, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced that he will be launching a door-to-door signature campaign to demand statehood for the region. The move is seen as a bold attempt to raise the pitch for the state’s special status and constitutional rights. However, the opposition has responded with skepticism, questioning the legitimacy and effectiveness of such a campaign.
As per Omar Abdullah, the signature campaign will be a grassroots effort, aimed at collecting signatures from every village in J&K and sending them to the Centre as a symbol of the people’s demand for statehood. The Chief Minister has been vocal about the need for J&K to be granted statehood, citing the region’s unique history, geography, and cultural identity.
“We’ve been raising our voice through letters and meetings, but now we’re going to raise our voice from every village of J&K to Delhi,” Omar Abdullah said in his Independence Day speech. “We’ll collect signatures and send them to the Centre, and I’m confident that it will make a big impact.”
However, the opposition has been quick to criticize the move, arguing that signature campaigns have no legal or constitutional sanctity. Senior National Conference leader and former Finance Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig said, “The Chief Minister owes an apology to the people of J&K, not a signature campaign. He should focus on resolving the issues of the state instead of indulging in theatrics.”
The opposition has also questioned the efficacy of the campaign, pointing out that it may not lead to any tangible results. “Signature campaigns have been tried before, but they have never borne fruit,” said BJP leader and former MLA, Sham Lal Sharma. “What we need is concrete action, not just symbolic gestures.”
The Congress, too, has expressed reservations about the campaign. “We are not against the idea of statehood for J&K, but we need to be practical and realistic,” said Congress leader and former MLA, Ghulam Nabi Monga. “The Chief Minister should focus on building consensus and addressing the concerns of all stakeholders instead of resorting to gimmicks.”
The signature campaign is seen as a desperate attempt by the Omar Abdullah government to regain momentum and public support in the face of growing discontent and disillusionment among the people of J&K. The region has been facing severe economic and political challenges, including a prolonged siege of the Kashmir Valley, frequent protests, and a lack of development and investment.
While the opposition has criticized the campaign, the ruling National Conference has defended it, saying that it is a legitimate way to express the people’s sentiments. “The people of J&K have the right to express their opinions and demands, and we will continue to support them in this effort,” said National Conference leader and MLA, Ali Muhammad Sagar.
In conclusion, the signature campaign launched by J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is a bold attempt to raise the pitch for the state’s special status and constitutional rights. While the opposition has questioned the legitimacy and effectiveness of the campaign, the ruling National Conference has defended it, saying that it is a legitimate way to express the people’s sentiments. Only time will tell whether this campaign will lead to any tangible results or remain a symbolic gesture.
