Srinagar, Oct 15: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have trusted democracy and “safeguarded” the Constitution by electing their government. He said the restoration of full statehood should be the next step.
Talking to reporters at the Srinagar International Airport, Yadav said, “The people of Jammu and Kashmir have trusted democracy and saved the Constitution by electing their government. The next step is to grant them full statehood. I am confident that, given how the people voted here, they will achieve that goal in future.”
The SP chief arrived here to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah, who would take oath as the Union Territory’s first chief minister on Wednesday.
At the airport, Yadav was received by Chanapora MLA Mushtaq Guroo and other party leaders of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC).
Yadav said there is a need to restore statehood and ensure special opportunities for the border region to drive its growth and development.
“I want to congratulate Dr Farooq Abdullah for the National Conference’s massive victory and confidence in Omar Abdullah’s leadership. I am sure he will fulfil his responsibilities well and lead Jammu and Kashmir towards prosperity,” he said.
Replying to a question, the Samajwadi Party Member of Parliament said, “The whole country was watching towards the Jammu and Kashmir and the Samajwadi people well understanding their aspirations”
“The country will be happy only when Jammu and Kashmir will move forward on the path of prosperity. States living near the Line of Control (LoC) will get special attention so that they will further progress,” he added.
The ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) by Dal Lake, will mark the installation of Omar Abdullah’s cabinet.
As per the J&K Reorganisation Act, the council of ministers, including the chief minister, will be capped at 10% of the 90-member Legislative Assembly. This means Omar Abdullah will be joined by nine ministers in his government.
