Srinagar, Sep 27: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Additional General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan on Sunday accused BJP legislators of trying to avoid a vote on the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Talking to reporters, Ramzan said restoration of statehood was part of the NC’s election manifesto and claimed that the BJP had also promised the same in its manifesto.
Reacting to the BJP Leader of Opposition’s demand for dissolution of the Assembly, Ramzan questioned the basis for such a move, saying the elected government was working to fulfil its manifesto commitments despite having limited powers.
On BJP objections to the reference to autonomy in the statehood resolution, Ramzan accused the party of “sensationalising” the issue. He referred to the 2000 Autonomy Resolution, claiming that eight BJP MLAs had supported it when it was passed by the Assembly.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah moved a resolution in the Assembly seeking restoration of full statehood to J&K on Saturday. The resolution is scheduled to be taken up for debate on Monday and may be put to vote.
Ramzan said the Assembly proceedings would make clear which parties support restoration of statehood and which, according to him, seek to avoid the issue.
He also criticised the BJP’s demand for dissolution of the Assembly, describing it as “political panic”, and accused BJP legislators of focusing on religious and regional divisions instead of constituency issues.
Ramzan said the NC remained committed to its electoral promises concerning restoration of special status and statehood.
