Where does the tunnel lead to?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the highly anticipated Sonamarg tunnel. Many political pundits and observers had expected Prime Minister Modi to make new announcements concerning the region, particularly about the restoration of statehood. However, the Prime Minister did not deliver the expected political message. His decision not to make any political announcements left many feeling underwhelmed, especially those hoping for signs of a roadmap.
Omar Abdullah’s presence at the inauguration was notable not only because of his status as the Chief Minister of a Union Territory but also because of his measured approach towards Prime Minister Modi. While many expected him to engage in open political posturing—perhaps to confront the Prime Minister or make a strong statement about the return of special status—Abdullah took a more nuanced route.
Rather than engage in public condemnation or any act of visible defiance, Omar Abdullah articulated his belief that the return of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood should be a priority for the central government.
Some saw this as an attempt at pragmatism—balancing the interests of his party with the need for constructive engagement with the Modi government. Others saw it as a political misstep, suggesting that his willingness to engage with the Prime Minister was a form of betrayal to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who still await the restoration of the region’s special status and Constitutional autonomy.
The sequence of events leading up to the inauguration further complicated perceptions of Omar Abdullah’s actions. From his meetings in New Delhi with cabinet colleagues of PM to social media interaction on platform X (formerly Twitter), the exchange led to speculation about whether there was a deeper political alignment or if it was a mere formal gesture. This complex interplay of communication—both on the ground and in the virtual world—underlines the fine line Omar Abdullah has to tread in this highly sensitive political environment.
In a region where the stakes are incredibly high, emotions run deep, and the past is always present, Abdullah’s next move is under public scrutiny.
As the political battle rages on, one may ask: Did Omar Abdullah err by maintaining balance with the Centre, or did he make the right move in trying to bridge the gap between the Centre and the people of Jammu and Kashmir?
It is important to understand that Omar Abdullah is now a different kind of leader. The circumstances that shaped his political trajectory are no longer the same. He finds himself at the helm of a Union Territory—a region stripped of its special status, a state dismantled, and an evolving political landscape that demands not just leadership but a delicate balancing act to navigate a course that ensures some semblance of progress for the people, despite the daunting limitations.
The region is still dealing with the fallout from the abrogation of Article 370, and public sentiment remains charged. For many, the sentiment remains unchanged: they want the return of their special status and a reversal of the decisions made in 2019. This sentiment was a core agenda in the recent electoral mandate, with Abdullah’s National Conference (NC) party emerging as a vocal opponent to the central government’s policies.
Now, Omar Abdullah has to contend with a situation where operating within the existing framework requires a certain degree of patience that may not always align with people’s expectations.
Opposition leaders argue that the sentiment of the people remains one of discontent over the loss of special status. They say that the mandate in the recent elections was a resounding endorsement of this sentiment—a call to challenge the BJP’s policies and push for the return of Kashmir’s special constitutional privileges. His critics argue that any form of cooperation with the Centre amounts to compromising on the core demands of Kashmiris.
Abdullah faces mounting pressure to take concrete steps in this direction. But given the circumstances, for Omar Abdullah, the choice isn’t black and white. Under the current political framework, he may not have the full autonomy he once enjoyed, but he is still in a position of power—a democratically elected leader who has the potential to act as a voice for the people. An elected government led by a local leader, even under the constraints of the Union Territory framework, is always a preferable alternative to direct rule from the Centre.
Given the current political climate, a more measured approach—one that involves working with the Centre—is necessary to secure whatever can be salvaged from the current situation. In this context, time may indeed be the most important factor. Therefore, Omar Abdullah must be given space to manoeuvre within the existing political framework, at least for now.
Ultimately, Omar Abdullah’s leadership must be viewed through the lens of the post-2019 reality. His strategy now depends on the ability to operate within a drastically altered political landscape, and the question remains whether he can achieve meaningful results for the people of Jammu and Kashmir within this framework. Will he be able to get anything meaningful from the Centre? Will he be able to uphold his party’s values while acknowledging the new reality of Kashmir’s political status? The coming months and years will test his leadership and political acumen.
Tail Piece: The Chief Minister faces the challenge of balancing the expectations of his people with the harsh realities of the Union Territory framework—a balance that, if achieved, could offer a glimmer of hope for a region still reeling from the seismic shifts of 2019.
The central question remains: Does Omar Abdullah deserve time to fulfil his promises, or should we be quick to pass judgment? The answer lies in whether people voted for him out of genuine trust in his leadership or simply as a means to keep the BJP at bay, without fully considering the altered reality of Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of its special status.
(Author is an Advocate & Columnist)
