J&K CM to Launch Signature Campaign for Statehood; Oppn Reacts
In a bid to press for Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced plans to launch a door-to-door signature campaign throughout the state. The move, which was revealed in his Independence Day speech, aims to gather support from every corner of Jammu and Kashmir and then present the signatures to the central government in Delhi.
The campaign, which will be a first of its kind in the state, is an attempt to mobilize public opinion and put pressure on the Centre to reconsider its stance on Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. Abdullah, who has been a long-time advocate for the state’s autonomy, believes that the signature campaign will serve as a powerful tool to demonstrate the people’s desire for statehood.
“We’ve raised our voice through letters, through meetings, and now we’re going to raise our voice from every village of Jammu and Kashmir to Delhi,” Abdullah said in his Independence Day speech. “We’re not going to be silenced, and we’re not going to be deterred from our demand for statehood.”
However, the opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir have reacted strongly to the Chief Minister’s decision, questioning the legitimacy of the signature campaign. They argue that such campaigns have no legal or constitutional sanctity and are merely a publicity stunt.
“Signature campaigns have no legal or constitutional sanctity,” said a senior leader of the opposition party. “They are a mere publicity gimmick to create a false sense of urgency and excitement. We demand that the Chief Minister focus on real issues affecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir instead of indulging in theatrics.”
Another opposition leader criticized the Chief Minister’s decision, saying that it was an attempt to divert attention from the real issues plaguing the state. “The Chief Minister is trying to deflect attention from the real problems facing the people of Jammu and Kashmir, such as corruption, unemployment, and lack of basic amenities,” he said. “Instead of engaging in a signature campaign, he should focus on addressing these issues and delivering on his promises.”
The opposition parties have also questioned the feasibility of the signature campaign, pointing out that it would be difficult to gather signatures from every village in the state, especially in areas where the population is scattered and literacy rates are low.
Moreover, some have argued that the signature campaign is a waste of public resources and will only serve to further polarize the state. “The state government should focus on more pressing issues, such as improving healthcare, education, and infrastructure, instead of wasting public resources on a signature campaign,” said a local resident.
Despite the opposition’s criticism, the Chief Minister remains committed to his plan, believing that the signature campaign will serve as a powerful symbol of the people’s desire for statehood. “We’re not going to be deterred by the opposition’s criticism,” Abdullah said. “We’re going to move forward with this campaign, and we’re going to make sure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are heard loud and clear in Delhi.”
The signature campaign is expected to kick off soon, with the Chief Minister and his government planning to visit every village in the state to gather support and signatures. It remains to be seen whether the campaign will be successful in achieving its goal, but one thing is clear: the issue of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood is a highly charged and emotive one, and the signature campaign is likely to be a contentious and divisive issue in the months to come.
