Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's proposed signature campaign for statehood restoration has drawn flak from opposition political parties in Kashmir as they are labeling it a mockery and betrayal of public trust. While the parties are terming the move as a gimmick to distract NC's 'betrayal' on Article 370 and statehood, they are also contending this as CM's confession of political failure.
From its traditional rival PDP to Sajjad Lone's PC and AIP , all are critical of the announcement made by Omar Abdullah with regard to door to door campaign for statehood. They accuse Abdullah of normalizing the decisions of August 5, 2019, and suggest a resolution in the J&K assembly would hold more constitutional weight. The leaders maintain it is a mockery and betrayal of the trust and mandate of the people reposed in the National Conference in the last assembly election.
Pertinently, CM Abdullah during his speech on August 15, here in Srinagar had said that he will no longer be silent on the issue of restoration of statehood and instead hit the streets and reach out to people in all 90 assembly constituencies across J&K. He said that his government will get their signatures in support of restoration of statehood which will be submitted before the BJP leader government in New Delhi and the Supreme Court. The SC while hearing the petition on restoration of statehood gave eight weeks time to the central government to submit their response.
Signature campaigns have no legal or constitutional sanctity,” said Sajad Lone of People’s Conference. He suggested that the NC led government should pass a strong resolution in the J&K assembly. “Our resolutions are not binding on the Supreme Court, but inherent in them will be constitutional dignity and reflect will of people…Political or signature campaigns have no legal or constitutional sanctity,” said Lone asking,
“Omar Abdullah owes an apology, not a signature campaign for normalising 5th August. With 50 MLAs behind him, he has reduced the fight for J&K’s statehood to token gestures, after seeking votes door-to-door on the promise of restoring pre–5th August status,” senior Peoples Democratic Party leader Waheed Para said. “This is not just a retreat, it is a betrayal. The people gave him a historic mandate to fight for Article 370 and statehood, not to stage political theatre.”Para said that if Omar has already surrendered, he “must admit it and apologise to every citizen of J&K for selling promises he never intended to keep”.
Reacting sharply , Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi has lambasted the National Conference leadership, calling the move “a shameful confession of political irrelevance and utter failure.”Inam Un Nabi stated, “Omar Abdullah had a golden opportunity to fight for the rights of the people when the NC got a full mandate to represent the aspirations of Kashmiris, especially on Article 370 and Statehood. Instead of pursuing these goals with conviction, NC has chosen the path of surrender and soft obedience towards the BJP. This signature campaign is nothing but a diversion from their betrayal.”
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