Saturday, March 29, 2025
New Delhi, August 4, 2025 — As August 5 approaches, political circles are abuzz with speculation that the Modi government may announce a major decision concerning Jammu and Kashmir. The date has already gained symbolic importance, as it was on August 5, 2019, that Article 370 was abrogated and the erstwhile state was split into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Now, six years later, fresh rumours suggest that the Centre may move to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. This speculation intensified after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday. Additionally, the NDA’s parliamentary party meeting is scheduled for Tuesday morning, further fueling theories of a significant announcement.
Previously, August 5 was marked by historic decisions such as the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and the scrapping of Article 370. Observers believe the government might again use this symbolic date to unveil a major policy shift—this time possibly restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Since 2019, there has been a consistent demand to reinstate Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. In response, the government has maintained that statehood would be restored at an “appropriate time.” Both PM Modi and Home Minister Shah have reiterated that the status will be granted, but have never specified a timeline.
Now, with signs pointing towards political readiness, many believe the “right time” may have arrived.
Adding to the momentum, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah on Monday renewed his demand for statehood. Speaking on the eve of the sixth anniversary of Article 370’s abrogation, he said, “The government must tell the people when they plan to restore full statehood.” He also questioned the delay in holding Rajya Sabha elections for the four vacant seats from J&K, despite two Legislative Assembly seats being scheduled for elections.
“They promised statehood after Assembly elections and government formation. What happened to that promise? Why are the voices of J&K people still being denied in Parliament?” Abdullah asked.
To convert a Union Territory into a full-fledged state (or vice versa), Parliament must pass a Reorganization Bill. Once both Houses approve the bill and the President gives assent, the change becomes official.
In 2019, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act was passed to downgrade the state into two UTs. Now, that act would need to be amended. Insiders believe the recent meeting with the President may have involved discussions around such a proposal.
If a Statehood Amendment Bill is introduced this week, it would mark a major political milestone and could reshape the region’s future.
