J&K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary. | Photo credit: The Hindu
Ahead of the likely hearing on a petition on restoration of statehood to J&K, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday (October 9, 2025) hoped that the Supreme Court (SC) would consider people's expectations on restoration of statehood.
“The SC must take into account the ground realities. The current scenario raises an important question: whether J&K should be governed by leaders elected by the people or by individuals who have been in power for several years without an electoral mandate,” Mr Choudhary said.
The SC is likely to hear a petition on restoration of statehood on Friday (October 10, 2025). “The SC must take into account the concerns and expectations of ordinary people. The SC's decision will not only be legal but will also send a deep message to the people of the region who have participated in the democratic process and placed their trust in elected representatives,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
He also criticized BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma for his comments on the functioning of the Omar Abdullah government. “NC will continue to demand statehood. The BJP has preferred to remain silent and afraid to even speak about it. This is despite the fact that the people of Jammu have sent 28 BJP leaders to the Assembly,” he added.
Meanwhile, the J&K Pradesh Congress Committee has decided to launch another hunger strike under the banner “Hamari Riyasat Hamra Haq” to push for restoration of full statehood of J&K.
A Congress spokesperson said the hunger strike will begin from October 18. “The party leaders and district presidents should prepare for the hunger strike to make a strong impression on the Center to fulfill its promise regarding the restoration of J&K statehood,” J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra said.
Published – Oct 10, 2025 03:15 IST
