Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday called for full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir as the Union Territory prepares for the swearing-in of its first elected government since the abrogation of Article 370.

“I congratulate the people of Kashmir for trusting democracy and choosing their government. Congratulations to the people for saving the Constitution. The next step is to grant them full statehood. I am confident that they will receive it. I also congratulate Farooq Abdullah for his party’s victory and Omar Abdullah for becoming the chief minister. I am sure he will fulfil his responsibilities and lead the state towards prosperity,” said Yadav, who reached Srinagar to attend Omar Abdullah’s oath ceremony.

Yadav emphasised the importance of restoring statehood and ensuring special opportunities for the border region to drive its growth and development.

“The people of Jammu and Kashmir have trusted democracy and saved the Constitution by electing their government,” he stated. “The next step is to grant them full statehood,” he added.

At the airport, Yadav was welcomed by Chanapora MLA Mushtaq Guroo. He congratulated Farooq Abdullah for the National Conference’s significant victory and expressed confidence in Omar Abdullah’s leadership.

“I am sure that Omar Abdullah will fulfil his responsibilities well and lead Jammu and Kashmir towards prosperity,” he said.

The ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre by Dal Lake, will mark the installation of Omar Abdullah’s cabinet.

According to the J&K Reorganisation Act, the council of ministers, including the chief minister, will be capped at 10% of the 90-member legislative assembly, meaning Omar Abdullah will be joined by nine ministers.

Yadav reiterated the need for special provisions for Jammu and Kashmir as a border region, stating, “The country will only prosper if Jammu and Kashmir moves forward on the path to prosperity.”

He added: “Border states should be given special opportunities and facilities to ensure their continued progress.”