Key Facts
The ruling National Conference (NC) in Jammu and Kashmir has called upon INDIA bloc leaders and regional parties to join a protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, on July 20, 2026 — the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The demand is for the restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a counter-protest across J&K on the same day, focusing on employment issues.
Details of the Protest
NC leader and legislator Tanvir Sadiq urged all political parties to set aside differences and unite for the cause. "For once, let petty politics take a back seat. As Dr. Farooq Abdullah has urged, let us rise above party lines and stand united for the people of Jammu & Kashmir. This is not about one party or one ideology — it is about reclaiming our genuine constitutional right: the restoration of Statehood," he said.
The NC has sent invitations to prominent INDIA bloc figures including Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, DMK chief M.K. Stalin, TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee, SP president Akhilesh Yadav, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, and NCP leader Sharad Pawar. Local parties such as the PDP, Apni Party, and Kashmir cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq have also been approached.
Responses from Local Parties
PDP spokesperson Mohit Bhan stated that unity has always been their stand, but the party's Political Affairs Committee will discuss the invitation before deciding. "Our struggle is for the constitutional rights, dignity, and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and not for political interests," he added.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq welcomed any sincere effort for the restoration of rights, calling it "the need of the hour." He emphasized that the agitation should not be limited to statehood but must include the restoration of Article 370 and 35A, as well as the release of political prisoners and youth held without trial.
Apni Party chairman Altaf Bukhari criticized the NC government for halted development, saying, "Roads, hospitals and public infrastructure are suffering while contractors remain unpaid. The government must stop making excuses, restart development works and issue a white paper on lapsed funds. Statehood has nothing to do with the development of Kashmir being stopped."
BJP's Counter-Strategy
BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma announced a J&K-wide agitation on July 20 focusing on employment. He accused the NC government of corruption and backdoor recruitment, and of misleading the public on statehood. "Statehood would be restored through Parliament, not through protests at Jantar Mantar," he said, adding that it remains part of the BJP's commitment and manifesto.
What Readers Should Know
- The protest is scheduled for July 20, 2026, at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi.
- The NC government has made restoration of pre-2019 status a key promise.
- The BJP's counter-protest will highlight employment issues in J&K.
- Local parties have mixed reactions, with some supporting the cause but questioning the government's development record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the National Conference organizing a protest on July 20?
The NC is demanding restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees for Jammu and Kashmir, as promised in their election manifesto.
What is the BJP's response to the protest?
The BJP has announced a counter-protest on the same day focusing on employment issues, accusing the NC government of corruption and diverting attention.
Which parties have been invited to join the protest?
The NC has invited INDIA bloc leaders including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, M.K. Stalin, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Lalu Prasad, Sharad Pawar, as well as local parties like PDP and Apni Party.