Kharge, Rahul Urge PM Modi to Introduce Statehood Bill for J&K

Quick Summary

• On July 16, 2025, Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
• They requested legislation during the Monsoon session of Parliament to include Ladakh under the Sixth schedule of the Constitution.
• The letter highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir is historically unique as it is indeed the first time a full-fledged state has been downgraded to a Union Territory in independent India.
• They cited past assurances made by PM Modi-publicly and before Parliament-that statehood would be restored “at the earliest.”
• Including Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule would safeguard local cultural and developmental interests while protecting rights, land, and identity.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The appeal by senior congress leaders points toward meaningful political stakes surrounding Jammu & Kashmir’s status after its reorganization in 2019. Historically unprecedented, the downgrading raised debates about constitutional rights versus national security concerns. By referencing PM Modi’s promises publicly made on restoring statehood “at the earliest,” Kharge and Gandhi leverage accountability as their central argument.

Moreover, including Ladakh under Constitutional provisions like the Sixth Schedule highlights grassroots concerns regarding preserving its indigenous governance structure amid developmental changes. These demands could catalyze broader discussions about balancing regional autonomy with centralized authority in India’s diverse federal system during upcoming parliamentary sessions.

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