Srinagar, In response to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent comments on the upcoming assembly elections and the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah emphasized the necessity of adhering to the Supreme Court’s deadline for conducting these polls before September 30.

According to Kashmir Media Service, during a press interaction, Abdullah pointed out that while the preference would have been for earlier elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Supreme Court’s ruling has made it legally binding for the government to meet the September deadline. He highlighted the critical nature of this deadline in the context of Modi’s assurances during a rally in Udhampur.

Abdullah also questioned the rationale behind the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act of August 2019, which bifurcated the region into two union territories. He noted that although the abrogation of Article 370 was a part of the government’s electoral manifesto, the subsequent removal of statehood was both unexpected and confusing.

PM Modi’s remarks in Udhampur emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring statehood and conducting assembly elections in the region soon. He reassured citizens of their upcoming ability to engage directly with their elected officials.

The discussions around statehood and elections are particularly poignant as Omar Abdullah is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir. The Supreme Court’s mandate to hold elections before the end of September further intensifies the political dynamics in the region, especially with the phased Lok Sabha polls scheduled across various constituencies including Udhampur on April 19, and culminating in Baramulla on May 20.