Srinagar: In a fiery address that blended development pledges with unyielding political resolve, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah vowed to step down rather than forge an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to fast-track the restoration of full statehood, reigniting speculation about potential successors amid growing frustrations over Delhi’s delays.
Speaking to a packed public gathering in Achabal, Anantnag district, South Kashmir, after inaugurating 16 ambitious Public Health Engineering (PHE) schemes worth over ₹100 crore, Abdullah underscored his government’s commitment to equitable growth and public welfare.
The projects, focused on bolstering clean drinking water supply and sanitation infrastructure, were hailed as a “game-changer” for rural South Kashmir, benefiting thousands in remote villages long plagued by water scarcity.
Flanked by key National Conference (NC) allies, including MLAs Altaf Kaloo (Pahalgam), Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri (Bejibhara), and MLA Majid Larmi —who sat prominently next to him on stage—Abdullah’s speech took a dramatic turn as he addressed the thorny issue of statehood.
“Our mandate in the 2024 elections was clear: no compromises with those who stripped us of our dignity,” he declared, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd. “If it is needed to include the BJP in the government to get statehood quicker, then accept my resignation right here. Make any MLA here the chief minister and form the government with the BJP. But I will not betray the trust of the people who voted for integrity over expediency.” “My blood pressure rose a little, and I have a habit. When my blood pressure rises like this, I either completely destroy the one who made it rise right there, or I choose silence.”
“Now, since the one who made my blood pressure rise is one of our own, it would be better on this occasion that I turn towards silence.” Omar Abdullah said.
CM Omar Abdullah is essentially saying that the speech or actions of an “own” person (likely a party member or ally) have provoked him, but he will choose to remain silent on the matter for now. This suggests internal political friction.
The remark, delivered with characteristic candor, sent ripples through political circles, prompting whispers of a leadership transition. While Abdullah has repeatedly affirmed his dedication to the NC-led coalition’s stability—bolstered by 42 seats in the 90-member assembly—his words have fueled debates on who might helm the Union Territory next.
Potential frontrunners within the NC include rising star Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, the party’s working president and a close Abdullah confidant, or even veteran legislators Altaf Kaloo and Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri, whose proximity to the CM during the event underscored their influence in South Kashmir politics.
Abdullah’s Achabal appearance, attended by PHE Minister Javed Ahmad Rana and Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, also featured lighter moments amid the tension.
The event comes against a backdrop of mounting impatience over statehood, abrogated in 2019 alongside Article 370. Abdullah reiterated calls for peaceful,’s pledge could tomorrow become tomorrow’s succession plan.
