According to insiders, the Congress high command has decided against taking active governance roles, allowing the NC to solidify its position without further complications. The alliance between NC and Congress, although still intact, seems to be evolving into a more passive partnership on the part of Congress, reflecting strategic interests rather than any fallout.
The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir has shifted significantly since the 2024 elections, with a keen focus on restoring the region's statehood. Abdullah has emphasized the need for the next government to prioritize this issue. His National Conference has repeatedly affirmed that it will not back down from the demand for the restoration of Article 370, despite acknowledging the difficulty of achieving this under the current central government. Abdullah's stance on this issue has resonated strongly with his voter base, contributing to the NC's electoral success.
Abdullah himself has stressed that the first priority of the incoming administration should be to pass a resolution demanding statehood restoration. This move is expected to add further pressure on the central government, which has yet to fulfill its earlier promises regarding the region’s political status. While the restoration of Article 370 remains a more complex goal, Abdullah has vowed to keep the issue alive within political discourse.
The Congress's decision to step back from ministerial participation comes amid reports that the NC is gaining additional support from five independent MLAs, solidifying its majority and reducing its reliance on Congress for governance. The inclusion of these independent legislators would give the NC a comfortable margin to govern effectively on its own, leading some to speculate that this could reduce Congress’s influence over policy decisions.
The Congress party’s approach has not been entirely without controversy. Some party members have expressed disappointment with the decision to stay out of the government, fearing it may weaken the party’s standing in Jammu and Kashmir. However, others argue that this decision could allow the Congress to avoid being held responsible for any difficult decisions made by the Abdullah government, particularly on contentious issues like statehood and Article 370. Congress’s leadership remains cautious, balancing its support for NC with its broader national agenda, particularly in relation to its position on Article 370.
For Omar Abdullah, the immediate challenge will be to lead a stable government that can navigate the region’s complex political environment. The restoration of statehood and advocating for Article 370’s return are not only electoral promises but have become central to his mandate. Abdullah has signaled that, while the full restoration of Article 370 may not be realistic under the current regime in New Delhi, he will continue to push for meaningful dialogue on the issue.
The political situation remains tense as opposition parties, particularly the BJP, continue to oppose the NC’s agenda. The BJP, which has a significant presence in Jammu, is expected to resist any moves towards statehood or Article 370 restoration, framing it as detrimental to national interests. This opposition could create roadblocks for Abdullah’s administration, especially if national political sentiment continues to influence regional governance.