• Swearing ceremony likely in 2-3 days
•Jammu will not be ignored: Omar
• Have no demands, we are supporting NC for people of J&K: Karra
Srinagar, Oct 11: In a significant political development, National Conference (NC) legislative party leader Omar Abdullah met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday evening, formally staking a claim to form the new government in Jammu and Kashmir.
Abdullah presented letters of support from the Congress party and several independent members, signalling the formation of the first elected government in the Union Territory since its reorganization in 2019.
Meanwhile, in a communique from LG Sinha Office confirmed that Omar Abdullah, Vice President, Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan.
“He handed over a letter from the Party President Dr. Farooq Abdullah stating that Omar Abdullah has been elected as Leader of the Legislature Party of JKNC. Letters of support from INC, CPI(M), AAP and independent members were also handed over to the Lieutenant Governor,” it said.
The move follows hours after Congress’ J&K president, Tariq Karra, extended his party’s formal support to the NC.
Speaking to the media after his meeting with the Lieutenant Governor at Raj Bhavan, Omar Abdullah said that the swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place in the next 2-3 days.
“I have submitted letters of support from the Congress, CPM, AAP, and independent members to the LG and requested that a date be set for the swearing-in. This process involves multiple steps, as the documents will be sent to Rashtrapati Bhawan and the Home Ministry for approval. We expect that if the process is completed by Tuesday, the swearing-in could take place on Wednesday,” Omar said.
He further reassured the people of Jammu that the new government would prioritize the needs of all regions. “Jammu will not be ignored by this government,” he asserted.
The coalition, comprising the NC, Congress, and five independents, alongside a lone MLA from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), will command a majority of 54 legislators in the 83-member Legislative Assembly. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold 29 seats.
This government formation marks a historic moment for Jammu and Kashmir, being the first elected administration since the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the region into two Union Territories.
Omar Abdullah also outlined his government’s priorities, stating that the coalition would pass a resolution seeking the restoration of statehood and submit it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and other national leaders at the earliest opportunity.
Earlier, in a unanimous decision, the NC’s legislative party chose Omar Abdullah as their leader during a meeting on Thursday.
“I am deeply grateful to the National Conference legislators for their trust in me. This is a significant responsibility, and I am honored to lead this government,” Abdullah said.
Earlier Congress formally extended its support to NC on Friday to form the new Jammu and Kashmir government, with Omar Abdullah as the joint Chief Ministerial candidate.
In Srinagar, Congress Legislature Party meeting was attended by all six legislators including J&K Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra, a resolution was passed and letters of support were signed in favor of the NC.
Talking to reporters in Srinagar, JKPCC President Karra said that Congress Legislature Party unanimously passed a resolution, authorizing our central leadership to choose the CLP leader. “We have extended our support to the NC and accepted Omar Abdullah as Chief Minister,” he said
“We have no demands. We are supporting the National Conference for the people of J&K. We will sit with them formally and at that time we will discuss what the model of governance will be like. The spirit of this alliance is far beyond the game of numbers and ministerial posts,” Karra said.
He further said that the spirit of this alliance is much higher than the number game. “Our fight with the BJP is varied and it cannot be brought down to such things,” he said.
Earlier JKNC president Farooq Abdullah said that there is a need for the alliance to win the hearts of the people of Jammu and counter the “false propaganda” being spread in the region.
“It is not the fault of the people of Jammu. They have been led to believe that stone-pelting will resume and terrorism will rise, without realizing that their lands have been taken, their jobs lost, and much more has disappeared. Despite this, they have fallen for the propaganda. Our goal is to clear this from their hearts,” he added.
Dr Farooq said that they want peace and for the Center to restore statehood so the government can function effectively. Jammu and Kashmir is the crown of the country, and if the crown doesn’t shine, the country won’t either.
Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has also pledged support, with AAP candidate Mehraj Malik defeating BJP’s Gajay Singh Rana in Doda. An AAP spokesperson confirmed their formal support to the NC.
The NC-Congress alliance secured a total of 49 seats in the recent J&K Assembly elections, with the NC emerging as the dominant party, winning 42 seats, while the Congress secured six.
This government formation follows a significant political shift in the region, and marks the first elected government since 2018, when the BJP withdrew support from then Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, leading to Governor’s rule in the erstwhile state.
