In a significant political development, Omar Abdullah, the leader of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on October 16, 2024. This marks his second term as Chief Minister, following a six-year period of central rule after the BJP’s exit from the previous coalition government.
The Swearing-In Ceremony
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar. The event was attended by prominent leaders from the INDIA bloc, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Akhilesh Yadav. Before taking the oath, Omar Abdullah paid tributes to his grandfather, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, at his mausoleum in Hazratbal.
New Cabinet Ministers
Alongside Omar Abdullah, five ministers took the oath of office, including Sakina Masood (Itoo), Javed Dar, Javed Rana, Surinder Choudhary, and Satish Sharma. Surinder Choudhary, an independent MLA who defeated J&K BJP chief Ravinder Raina, was appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister. This diverse cabinet aims to represent both the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region, reflecting a balanced approach to governance.
Congress Opts Out of Government
Despite being an ally in the recent elections, the Congress party decided not to join Omar Abdullah’s cabinet. Sources within the Congress indicated that the party would extend support to Abdullah’s government from the outside. The National Conference had offered one cabinet berth to the Congress, but the party expressed dissatisfaction with this single ministerial position, insisting on two instead. Omar Abdullah has kept several ministerial positions vacant, leaving the door open for future discussions with the Congress.
Future Outlook
Omar Abdullah’s government faces significant challenges ahead, including the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and addressing the region’s developmental needs. The presence of senior Congress leaders at the swearing-in ceremony underscores the strength of the NC-Congress alliance, despite the current decision to stay out of the cabinet.
This development marks a new chapter in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, with Omar Abdullah at the helm, steering the region towards stability and progress.
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