Year into power, special status back on NC’s core agenda

More than a year after the National Conference (NC) formed the government in Jammu and Kashmir following the Assembly elections, the restoration of the region’s special status—revoked by the Centre in August 2019—has re-emerged as the party’s key political plank. The issue dominated the party’s crucial organisational meeting held in Srinagar last week.

Before coming to power, the NC had prominently featured the promise of restoring Articles 370 and 35A, along with full statehood, in its election manifesto. “Our fight to restore Article 370, as enshrined in the Constitution, continues alongside the reinstatement of Article 35A,” the party had said at the time, adding that it would work to reinstate the state constitution and flag, and “preserve the dignity, identity and heritage” of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

However, in recent months, the National Conference has faced criticism—from both opposition parties and its own leader—for not showing visible progress on these core political commitments. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and several other groups have accused the NC of not taking concrete steps toward fulfilling its manifesto promises. Even NC MP Aga Ruhullah has repeatedly stated that the government has done little on the political front.

The criticism sharpened after the party suffered a major defeat in the Budgam bypoll last month. As the NC’s Working Committee convened in Srinagar shortly after, the restoration of special status once again rose to the top of its political agenda.

In its post-meeting statement, the party said: “The Working Committee unanimously reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. The Committee reiterated that this issue is central to the aspirations and dignity of the people and must be addressed without further delay. The party will continue its principled fight for its full restoration.”

The committee also reiterated its commitment to fulfilling all promises made in the party’s manifesto.

Observers: NC recalibrating after a difficult first year

Political observers in Srinagar say the National Conference has spoken more frequently about restoring statehood than Article 370 during its first year in office. They argue that the party is now being pushed to recalibrate its political messaging after a lacklustre performance and electoral setbacks.

“Given the current structure of power, the party hasn’t been able to do much so far, and their performance hasn’t met expectations,” said a Srinagar-based political analyst. “That is why the issue topped the agenda this time—there is internal and external pressure.”

Political commentator Zafar Choudhary was even more blunt, saying he does not believe the NC is engaged in a “serious political battle” for the restoration of special status or even for statehood. “There is no movement, no real engagement with the Centre,” he said.

He added that such resolutions appear largely aimed at addressing internal discontent.

“These resolutions are primarily for party cadres and legislators who are questioned by their electorate. Similar resolutions were passed during the Legislature Party meeting in April and earlier in the Assembly. Between these events, there hasn’t been any serious process.”

NC leadership defends its position

The National Conference leadership, however, insists that restoring special status has remained the party’s consistent and primary objective. A senior NC leader said that soon after forming the government, the J&K Assembly passed a resolution urging the Centre to hold talks with elected representatives on restoring the special status of the erstwhile state.

“We have been talking about it, and we will continue to do so,” the leader said, asserting that the NC has not shifted from its long-held political stance.