Srinagar, October 16, 2025 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday completed one year in office, yet the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood — his core election promise — remains unfulfilled.
Abdullah had taken oath on October 16, 2024, following the National Conference’s landslide victory in the assembly polls, marking the party’s return to power after nearly a decade. However, most of the commitments made in the party’s manifesto — “Dignity, Identity, and Development” — remain a work in progress.
The NC had pledged to seek full autonomy, restore Articles 370 and 35A, and bring back pre-August 2019 status, including statehood. So far, only symbolic steps — such as two resolutions in cabinet and assembly — have been taken urging the Centre to act on statehood and special status restoration.
Party MP Ruhullah Mehdi recently admitted that “political intent has been missing,” even as the government defended its limited success due to the power-sharing constraints with the Lieutenant Governor.
Despite setbacks, the Omar government highlights achievements such as:
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Raising marriage assistance from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000 for poor brides.
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Launching free bus service for women and inter-district smart buses.
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Restoring academic sessions, relaxing stamp duties for family land transfers.
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Providing free ration to weaker sections.
The government’s first year was also marred by crises — from the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor on the borders to flash floods that crippled tourism.
Meanwhile, the reservation policy dispute continues unresolved, with the cabinet sub-committee report awaiting action months after submission.
With mounting criticism from both opposition and party ranks, Abdullah faces growing pressure to deliver on his flagship political promise — statehood restoration.
