The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday adopted a crucial resolution urging the Government of India to immediately restore full statehood to the Union Territory. The move marks another decisive legislative push regarding the constitutional status of the region.

The resolution was passed via a voice vote amidst widespread support across party lines, including members from the National Conference (NC), Indian National Congress, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Conference (PC), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and independent legislators. However, members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) protested against the move and staged a walkout.

The voting process was initiated by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather following Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s reply to the extensive discussion on the floor. As the vote was called, BJP legislators, spearheaded by the Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, exited the House in protest.

Before the voice vote was called, five NC MLAs, two PDP MLAs, one Congress MLA, and two independent members voluntarily withdrew their proposed amendments to ensure a unified passage of the primary text.

The BJP took strong objection to the framing of the document, notably opposing references made to past legislative motions, including the 2000 Autonomy Resolution and the Special Status Resolution passed in November 2024.

This development marks the third formal step initiated by the elected government and the Legislative Assembly advocating for statehood and constitutional safeguards. Following the government formation in October 2024, the Cabinet had endorsed a resolution seeking statehood restoration, followed by the Assembly passing a resolution on November 6, 2024, calling upon New Delhi to restore special status.