The Bharatiya Janata Party has signalled support for debating a proposal to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir’s administrative structure, stepping away from its earlier criticism and emphasising that expanding districts and divisions could strengthen governance and bring administration closer to the people. The bill, introduced by People’s Democratic Party legislator Waheed Parra, calls for the creation of 16 new districts across the Union Territory, along with additional administrative divisions in the Jammu region.
By supporting a discussion on the proposal, the BJP has underlined the importance of evaluating administrative reforms that could improve public service delivery in the region. Party leaders said that while certain aspects of the bill require reconsideration, the broader idea of strengthening governance through administrative restructuring deserves a proper debate in the legislature.
Proposal Aims to Expand Administrative Reach
Jammu and Kashmir currently has two administrative divisions, Jammu and Kashmir, with ten districts each. The bill introduced by Parra seeks to expand this framework by carving out sixteen new districts across the Union Territory.
The proposal also recommends two additional divisions in Jammu. Under the suggested structure, Rajouri and Poonch would be grouped into a Pir Panjal division, while Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban would form the Chenab Valley division.
BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma said there is no harm in creating additional districts and divisions if such measures make governance more accessible and efficient for citizens. According to Sharma, administrative expansion can help address long-standing challenges in remote areas and improve the delivery of government services.
BJP Suggests Improvements to the Plan
While expressing openness to the proposal, the BJP has raised reservations regarding the names suggested for the new divisions. Sharma noted that the party is not in favour of the titles Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley and believes these should be reconsidered.
He also indicated that the BJP would advocate the creation of another administrative division by combining the districts of Udhampur and Reasi. Such a move, he said, could further strengthen administrative balance in the Jammu region and ensure that governance structures reflect local realities.
If this proposal is adopted, the total number of divisions in Jammu would increase to four, potentially improving administrative coordination and oversight.
The party’s current position marks a shift from its earlier criticism of the bill. BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur had previously described the proposal as a conspiracy aimed at turning Jammu and Kashmir into what he called “Greater Kashmir”, claiming it echoed what he described as Pakistan’s design from the 1990s.
National Conference Remains Cautious
The National Conference has adopted a cautious stance on the issue. Party spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq described the proposal as a publicity stunt and stopped short of offering clear support.
Sadiq pointed out that administrative boundaries in Jammu and Kashmir are currently frozen until 2027 under an order issued in 2025 by the Union government and the J&K administration. He said any reorganisation must be transparent, data driven and aligned with future census and delimitation exercises.
Focus on Governance and Regional Development
The debate around the proposed reorganisation has renewed discussion on how administrative structures can better serve people across Jammu and Kashmir. Supporters of administrative expansion argue that creating more districts and divisions can make governance more responsive, particularly in geographically challenging regions.
By backing a discussion on the bill while suggesting practical improvements, the BJP has positioned itself as supportive of reforms that could strengthen governance and administrative efficiency in the Union Territory. As the proposal moves towards possible debate, the issue is expected to remain an important subject in the region’s political discourse.