The Jammu and Kashmir Congress has raised alarms regarding the ongoing delay in restoring full statehood to the Union Territory, emphasizing that the lack of an elected government is hampering administrative efficiency and accountability. Since its reorganization, Jammu and Kashmir has been governed as a Union Territory, with the central government citing security stability and political consensus as prerequisites for statehood restoration. The Congress party argues that this prolonged interim arrangement has created a governance gap, exacerbated by the delay in local body elections, which are crucial for addressing community needs and ensuring effective service delivery. Congress leaders have pointed out various civic issues, such as irregular water supply and power outages, as symptoms of the governance freeze. Additionally, they highlight the impact of staffing shortages in schools and hospitals on public services. The party is advocating for the immediate restoration of statehood, timely local elections, and improved employment policies for workers in Jammu and Kashmir.