New Delhi: Union Minister Jitendra Singh has rejected Congress's claims regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, labeling them as a "fake narrative." Singh emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already assured that statehood will be reinstated after the elections.

"The Congress manifesto lacks credibility and is not taken seriously by the public. Their claims about statehood restoration are unfounded because the Prime Minister has already committed to restoring statehood post-elections. Congress and the National Conference are attempting to create a false narrative, but their efforts will be in vain," Singh stated during a media briefing. Earlier, Congress leader Pawan Khera asserted that the Congress-National Conference alliance would restore Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. "Jammu and Kashmir had its statehood revoked and was made a Union Territory. We are committed to restoring this right," Khera told ANI.

On September 7, Union Home Minister Amit Shah countered these claims, stating that only the central government and Prime Minister Modi have the authority to grant statehood. "Congress and National Conference are misleading the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Statehood can only be granted by the central government. We have promised to restore statehood at the appropriate time after the elections," Shah said. Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled in three phases: the first on September 18, the second on September 25, and the third on November 1. The votes will be counted on October 8.

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