Following the passage of a resolution by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly seeking dialogue with the Centre on the restoration of Article 370, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti stated on Wednesday that the PDP has demonstrated that numbers alone do not determine outcomes; rather, it is the result of her party’s hard work.
Addressing a press conference here today, Mufti said, “Today, the PDP has shown that numbers don’t matter. A strong opposition can compel the majority government to fulfil the people’s aspirations and honour its commitments to the public. This is the result of the PDP’s dedicated efforts. The resolution does not demand the restoration of Article 370 outright but calls for dialogue on the matter… After discussions, we may introduce amendments to this resolution.”
The J-K Assembly passed a resolution on restoring the special status to the erstwhile state. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary introduced the resolution, prompting an uproar and criticism from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators.
On Monday, the newly elected Jammu and Kashmir Assembly held its first session, beginning with the introduction of a resolution opposing the revocation of Article 370 and seeking the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
Tensions arose in the assembly when PDP leader Waheed Para, representing Pulwama, introduced a resolution opposing the revocation of Article 370 and advocating for the restoration of the region’s special status.
However, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah dismissed the resolution, stating that it was introduced merely “for show” and held no genuine significance. He added that if there had been real intent behind the resolution, discussions would have included the National Conference.
The restoration of Article 370, along with Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and the implementation of the autonomy resolution, was a key pledge in the National Conference’s manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir elections.
The first session of the new assembly will conclude on November 8.
In the previous Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election, the Congress-National Conference alliance secured 49 of the 90 seats, while the BJP won 29. The election took place after a 10-year gap and since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. NC leader Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on September 16. (ANI)
