Statehood for J&K could be announced before Oct

Srinagar: Union Minister of State (MoS) for social justice and empowerment, Ramdas Athawale said on Thursday that statehood could be announced for J&K before October this year.

Addressing the media here, the MoS said, “Centre may announce restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir before October this year. The legislative Assembly elections may also be held in October. Polls are scheduled to be held in Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh before October. I think before October, statehood can be restored and election may also happen in October,” the minister said.

He appealed to the people to ensure record-breaking turnout. He reiterated that the home minister had announced at the time of the abrogation of Article 370 that Assembly elections and statehood would be restored. He hailed the high voter turnout in the Lok Sabha elections and lauded people for strengthening democracy. He said he had a fruitful half-hour meeting with Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha in Srinagar.