J&K CM to Launch Signature Campaign for Statehood; Oppn Reacts
In a bold move, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced that he will launch a door-to-door signature campaign to press for the state’s statehood. The move comes as a response to the Centre’s decision to revoke the state’s special status under Article 370 of the Constitution. In his Independence Day speech, Omar Abdullah said, “Till now, through letters…and meetings, we’ve raised our voice. Now we’re going to raise our voice from every village of J&K to Delhi.”
The signature campaign is aimed at gathering public support for the state’s demand for restoring its special status. The Chief Minister’s move has, however, been met with skepticism by the opposition parties. They have criticized the campaign, saying that it has no legal or constitutional sanctity.
The National Conference (NC), led by Omar Abdullah, has been demanding the restoration of the state’s special status since the Centre’s move to revoke it. The party has been organizing rallies and demonstrations across the state to press for its demand. The signature campaign is seen as an extension of these efforts to mobilize public support.
However, the opposition parties have been critical of the move. They have argued that a signature campaign is not a substitute for a meaningful political dialogue. “Signature campaigns have no legal or constitutional sanctity,” said a senior leader of the opposition parties. “We need a political solution to the issue, not a publicity stunt.”
The BJP, which has been critical of the NC’s stance on the issue, has also slammed the signature campaign. “The Chief Minister is trying to divert attention from the real issues facing the state,” said a BJP leader. “We want a solution to the problems faced by the people of J&K, not a drama-filled signature campaign.”
The opposition parties have also questioned the timing of the campaign. “The Chief Minister is trying to create a controversy on the eve of the Independence Day celebrations,” said a leader of the opposition parties. “We urge him to focus on finding a solution to the problems facing the state rather than indulging in theatrics.”
The signature campaign is expected to start soon, with the Chief Minister and his team visiting various parts of the state to gather public support. The campaign is likely to be met with mixed reactions, with some people supporting the move while others may remain skeptical.
The issue of J&K’s statehood has been a contentious one in recent times. The Centre’s decision to revoke the state’s special status under Article 370 of the Constitution has been met with widespread protests and unrest in the state. The opposition parties have been critical of the Centre’s move, saying that it has led to a loss of autonomy for the state.
In the wake of the Centre’s decision, the NC has been demanding the restoration of the state’s special status. The party has been organizing protests and rallies across the state to press for its demand. The signature campaign is seen as an extension of these efforts to mobilize public support.
In conclusion, the launch of a signature campaign by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to press for the state’s statehood has been met with skepticism by the opposition parties. While the campaign may gather public support, it is unlikely to find a solution to the complex issue of J&K’s statehood. A political solution, rather than a publicity stunt, is needed to address the concerns of the people of J&K.
