June, 2025: KATRA: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah used Friday's flagging-off ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first train to Kashmir to quietly but firmly emphasize his government's demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, fusing humor with political resolve.
Abdullah cited a "coincidence" that four attendees of Friday's ceremony were also on stage that day, referring to the opening of the Katra railway station, the final event of his first government in 2014. "You (Narendra Modi) became the Prime Minister for the first time then," Abdullah added, jokingly highlighting the disparate career paths of the parties. You arrived here immediately following the election. And here, by God's blessing, you opened the Katra train station.You went on to win two consecutive elections and continue to serve as this nation's prime minister. Jitendra Singh, your PMO minister of state, was also there. Manoj Sinha, our esteemed Lieutenant Governor and the then-Minister of State for Railways, was also in attendance.
"And I, as the chief minister of a full-fledged state then, stand slightly demoted," Abdullah stated, referring to his own status. I served as a state's chief minister. I currently serve as a union territory's main minister.
However, I am confident that issue will be fixed quickly. And Jammu and Kashmir will once more achieve statehood with your assistance," Abdullah continued.
A huge crowd applauded the chief minister's direct appeal for the return of statehood.