Who moved the J&K Assembly resolution, to what it says, and doesn’t: Key takeaways from special status move

The NC introduced a resolution calling for dialogue on special status in the J&K Assembly, with BJP protesting but set to benefit politically.

On Wednesday, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly passed a resolution seeking dialogue with the Union Territory on special status in the J&K Assembly.

Elected representatives sought restoration of special status and constitutional guarantees, aiming to work out mechanisms for these provisions.

The resolution, introduced by Omar Abdullah’s government in the J&K Assembly, was carefully worded, fulfilling promises while avoiding ruffling BJP-led Centre’s feathers.

It fulfilled a key promise from the NC’s manifesto while avoiding conflict with the BJP-led Centre, which favors statehood.

The resolution also marked the first formal rejection in the J&K Assembly of the Centre’s August 5, 2019 decisions.

scrapping the special status of the erstwhile state through the abrogation of Article 370 and its downgrade to two UTs.

Speaking to reporters later, Choudhary said, “Even BJP MLAs would be happy with this resolution if tested, but can’t say so due to political compulsions.”

The omissions in the resolution

It discusses restoring special status and constitutional guarantees but omits mention of Articles 370 or 35A, which provided them.

It hints that the NC-led government is willing to accept special status through a mechanism other than the contentious legislation.

This could involve Article 371 or other constitutional guarantees related to land and job provisions for special status.

The resolution expresses concern over the unilateral nature of the August 5, 2019, decisions but does not outright oppose them.

The inclusions in the resolution

The resolution emphasizes that the restoration process must safeguard both national unity and the legitimate aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir’s people.

The framing of national unity in the demand for special status is notable, as the BJP argued Article 370 created a distinction.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti responded, stating the resolution had nothing to do with national unity, emphasizing India’s diversity.

The resolution urges the Indian government to initiate dialogue with J&K Assembly representatives for restoring special status, seeking Centre’s involvement.

The view from BJP side

Although the BJP strongly opposed the resolution and called for its withdrawal, the party stands to gain from it.

First, it suggests the J&K Assembly’s willingness to cooperate with the Centre, challenging the narrative that the Valley rejects the BJP.

Second, it gives the BJP an opportunity to target Congress in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, as Congress allies with NC.

The view from Congress side

While the NC base is placated by the special status move, the Congress appears as hapless as ever.

With high stakes in upcoming J&K Assembly elections, Congress appeared as confused about its stance as during the Article 370 abrogation.

When the resolution was first moved, it was clear that the MLAs were unsure how to respond.

While Congress state president Tariq Karra and senior leader Peerzada Mohammad Syed remained silent, MLA Irfan Hafiz sparred with BJP counterparts.

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