SRINAGAR: The BJP is not opposed to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and wants it as well, senior party leader Ashok Koul said, while asserting that the timing of the move would be decided by the Government of India and its agencies.
Koul’s remarks came as he defended the BJP’s position on statehood and criticised the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government for allegedly failing to deliver on its election promises.
“BJP is not opposed to statehood; we want it too. However, the Government of India and its agencies will decide the appropriate time,” Koul said.
He also targeted the National Conference government, accusing it of not fulfilling the commitments made to voters during the election campaign.
The BJP leader’s comments come amid continued political debate in Jammu and Kashmir over the restoration of statehood, which was promised by the Centre but without a publicly fixed timeline.
Koul said the issue should be viewed in the context of the Centre’s decision-making process, while reiterating that the BJP supports statehood.
