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Manoj Sinha and Omar Abdullah clashed over statehood in Jammu and Kashmir, with Sinha criticizing excuses and Abdullah defending his performance despite hurdles.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha (L); Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. (Photo: PTI/File)
A war of words broke out between Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the issue of statehood on Friday. LG Manoj Sinha said that the elected government cannot use the demand for statehood as an excuse for not performing its duties — a remark that drew a sharp response from CM Omar Abdullah, who insisted he was fulfilling his responsibilities despite “hurdles” created by the Centre.
Speaking at the J-K UT Foundation Day celebrations at the SKICC, LG Sinha asserted that statehood should not be cited as a reason for underperformance, arguing that the elected administration already possesses all necessary powers. He reiterated Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement in Parliament that the sequence would be delimitation first, assembly elections next, and the restoration of statehood at an appropriate time, news agency ANI reported.
#WATCH | Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha says, “Nowadays, there’s a discussion about statehood… In the Parliament, the Union Home Minister had made three statements. First, he said delimitation first, second, assembly elections second, and third, statehood at the… pic.twitter.com/6dnBCTMVzF— ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2025
“But some people have some problems. When the assembly elections were held, it was clear that the elections were taking place for the UT assembly. They (elected government) cannot make the excuse that work cannot be done till statehood is restored,” the LG said.
“I want to convey forcefully that people shouldn’t be fooled. Use your authority for the welfare of the people,” he added.
CM Abdullah reacted sharply to Sinha’s remarks, accusing the Center of creating “hurdles” for the UT administration.
“We are told to work and not make excuses. We do not make excuses. We are performing despite the hurdles created in our way,” the Chief Minister said at an event in Eidgah, news agency PTI reported.
Pointing to rising unemployment, falling GST revenues, and a slump in tourism and handicraft sales, he questioned the Centre’s handling of security.
“Today, the destruction that we are seeing, unemployment, decrease in GST earnings, vacant hotels, restaurants, taxis and houseboats, decrease in the sales of our handicrafts. Why? Because there was an attack in Pahalgam. Who is responsible for the security here? It is not in my hands. Had it been, we would have never allowed the situation to become such in J-K,” he said.
Abdullah noted that during his previous six-year tenure as chief minister, there was no attack on tourists.
“26 of our guests were killed in Pahalgam, and we are advised to work. We know how to work. You do your job, we will do ours,” he said, referring to the April 22 terrorist attack in the resort town.
He further urged the LG to address the promise of restoring statehood, as pledged before the Supreme Court and Parliament.
“Why are these people so afraid of statehood? Why don’t they want to let go of power?” he asked, adding that nearly all 90 MLAs had sought votes in the name of statehood.
Demanding clarity on the timeline, Abdullah said, “Tell us how long we should wait? We are told that it will be restored at the appropriate time. Alright, I will wait, but tell me what the scale is to assess the right time. How do we measure the appropriate time?”
He added that the government should at least specify the conditions for restoration. “As a CM, I should know that this is the milestone or goal we have to reach where J-K will get its statehood. We should at least come to know that this is the target,” he added.
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18…Read More
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18… Read More
Jammu and Kashmir, India, India
November 01, 2025, 07:20 IST
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