The Jammu and Kashmir Congress ruled out joining the Omar Abdullah-led cabinet; repeats the statehood requirement

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. File | Photo credit: ANI

The Jammu and Kashmir Congress on Saturday (October 24, 2026) reiterated its demand for restoration of full statehood, making it clear that the party will continue to stay out of the Omar Abdullah-led cabinet until its concerns over statehood and constitutional guarantees are addressed.

Jammu and Kashmir Congress Working President Raman Bhalla said the party remains firm on its stand that restoration of full statehood is essential to ensure justice for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and to protect their land, jobs and natural resources.

“The Congress has always maintained that the people of Jammu and Kashmir must get back their full statehood,” Mr Bhalla told PTI, reiterating the party’s longstanding stand on the issue.

He emphasized the need for safeguards to protect employment opportunities for local youth, land rights and the region’s resources, saying these concerns remain central to Congress’ policy position.

“We need a full-fledged state, headed by a governor, with a single power center rather than a dual power structure,” Mr Bhalla said, adding that further decisions regarding the region should be taken after statehood is restored.

He insisted that the Congress had not deviated from its stand and remained committed to ensuring the rights and guarantees of the people. The Congress’ decision to stay out of the Omar Abdullah-led cabinet was linked to delays in restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

Despite the National Conference (NC) and Congress securing a comfortable majority in the Assembly after the 2024 elections, the NC formed the government while the Congress chose to extend support from outside rather than join the Council of Ministers.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the cabinet would be expanded and reshuffled next week.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at the Lok Bhawan, Mr. Abdullah said he had sought time from the former to conduct the exercise.

“Yes, it was definitely discussed. I asked him for an extension and told him that in the first two to three days of next week I will make the extension and make some changes in my Council of Ministers,” Mr Abdullah said.

Published – 24 Oct 2026 19:01 IST