Source: ABP Live
Omar Abdullah, the leader of the National Conference (NC), has been sworn in as the Chief Minister (CM) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Union Territory (UT) for the second time. His deputy, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, also took the oath as the Deputy Chief Minister, marking the formation of a new government led by the NC-Congress alliance. This development follows the alliance’s victory in the 2024 J&K elections, securing a majority with 42 seats for the NC, six seats for Congress, and additional support from CPI(M) and independent legislators, bringing the alliance’s total to 49 seats in the 90-member assembly.
First Government in J&K Since Article 370 Abrogation
This is a significant moment for J&K, as this marks the first democratically elected government since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The NC-Congress alliance has been vocal about restoring statehood to J&K, which was bifurcated into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh—after the removal of its special status. Omar Abdullah’s leadership is seen as a potential step toward returning statehood to the region, a priority he and his party have emphasized throughout their campaign.
Notably, despite Congress being a key player in the alliance, the party did not secure any cabinet berth in the new government. This decision has raised eyebrows, especially given the role Congress played in supporting the NC and helping to form a majority government. It remains to be seen how the power-sharing dynamics between the two parties will evolve, particularly when the Congress has been vocal about its expectations of a significant role in the new administration. Senior Congress leaders have already voiced their displeasure over this outcome, emphasizing their continued focus on the restoration of statehood.
Omar Abdullah, who previously served as CM from 2009 to 2014, faces multiple challenges in this new term. Beyond statehood restoration, his government will have to address critical issues such as employment, development, and maintaining peace and stability in the region. The political landscape in J&K has also changed since the scrapping of Article 370, with new parties and regional forces gaining ground. Additionally, J&K’s unique political status as a Union Territory brings different limitations to the powers of the chief minister compared to a full state, adding complexity to governance.
Despite these challenges, Abdullah has expressed optimism about fulfilling the people’s expectations and has stated that the NC’s priority will be to deliver on key promises, including economic development and ensuring that the voices of the region’s residents are heard. His deputy, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, will play a significant role in managing these efforts, particularly in overseeing the administration’s functioning in the Jammu region.
Congress Excluded from Cabinet: Political Ramifications
Omar Abdullah’s swearing-in as J&K’s CM marks a crucial political shift for the region. While the NC-Congress alliance has successfully formed a government, the exclusion of Congress from key cabinet positions and the overarching goal of restoring statehood will likely define the political discourse in J&K in the coming months. This new government, under Abdullah’s leadership, has a challenging path ahead as it navigates the region’s complex political, social, and economic landscape.
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