Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale indicated on Thursday that the central government might restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir before October and conduct legislative assembly elections within the same timeframe. Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar, Athawale highlighted that while the Supreme Court had directed the Election Commission to hold elections by September 30, he anticipated the polls would take place later, coinciding with elections in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Haryana.

Athawale’s comments echoed Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s previous assurances regarding the restoration of statehood following the abrogation of Article 370. The minister also noted a significant increase in tourism to the region since the special provisions were revoked in August 2019, with over 2.11 crore tourists, including foreigners, visiting J&K.

Athawale emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting education and welfare in the region, citing over 2 lakh scholarships provided to SC students and more than 84,000 to OBC students. He noted the peculiar absence of SC families in Kashmir despite the community’s presence in the region. Additionally, he reported 74 cases filed under the Atrocities Act related to SC and OBC communities.

Minister also announced plans to expand elderly care facilities, with intentions to establish one old-age home in each district of Jammu and Kashmir. Athawale confirmed that his party, the Republican Party of India, plans to field 10-15 candidates in the upcoming legislative assembly elections.