JKPCC Demands Statehood Restoration for J-K Before Elections

The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), led by President Vikar Rasool Wani, called for the restoration of J-K's statehood before the upcoming assembly elections. Wani emphasized that a government without such powers would be a mere puppet. The party plans outreach activities across the valley to incorporate public grievances into their manifesto.

The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) on Wednesday demanded the restoration of the Union Territory's statehood before the assembly elections, asserting that a 'puppet' government would have no real powers otherwise.

JKPCC President Vikar Rasool Wani stated, 'Had we come to power at the Centre after the Lok Sabha elections, we would have restored J-K's statehood in one week. The BJP government should restore the statehood before the polls. We will wait a month, but we want the state, with its power.'

Wani indicated that giving more authority to the Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor suggests the BJP acknowledges it cannot win elections and lacks genuine intentions to restore statehood.

'Whichever party is elected should address the people’s problems and bring prosperity to J-K, with full powers. If they need approval from the LG for everything, it would merely be a puppet government. Immediate restoration of statehood is essential,' he added.

The JKPCC chief also announced that the party will initiate outreach efforts in all ten districts of the valley to understand and document public grievances for their manifesto.

'We will meet people, visit every district, and incorporate their grievances in our manifesto,' Wani said. He noted that the manifesto and guarantees will be completed in a few weeks and then released to the public.