On Wednesday, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, marking the formation of the Union Territory’s first government in six years. The ceremony took place at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, where Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha administered the oath of office.
Jammu and Kashmir gets new CM as Omar Abdullah
Abdullah’s appointment represents a significant milestone as he becomes the first Chief Minister to take office since the abrogation of Article 370 and the conversion of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory in 2019.
This marks Abdullah’s second term as Chief Minister, serving from 2009 to 2014 when Jammu and Kashmir was still a state under a National Conference-Congress alliance.
The new government formation follows the September-October Assembly elections, where the National Conference-Congress alliance secured a majority, winning 48 out of 90 seats. The National Conference emerged as the single largest party with 42 seats, while the Congress won six.
New Cabinet Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir
Surinder Singh Choudhary, a National Conference MLA who defeated J&K BJP chief Ravinder Raina in Nowshera, was appointed Deputy Chief Minister, ensuring representation from the Jammu division in the new administration.
Four other MLAs were also sworn in: Satish Sharma (Independent), Sakina Itoo, Javid Dar, and Javid Rana (all from the National Conference).
Is Congress joining the cabinet?
Notably, the Congress has opted out of joining the Cabinet for now. Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra explained the party’s stance, stating, “The Congress is not joining the ministry in Jammu and Kashmir government at the moment. The Congress has strongly demanded from the Centre to restore Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Besides, the Prime Minister has, time and again, promised the same in public meetings.”
Karra added, “But, statehood has not been restored to Jammu and Kashmir. We are unhappy and therefore, we are not joining the ministry at the moment. The Congress shall continue to fight for the restoration of statehood.”
No turmoil between Omar Abdullah and Congress!
Despite this decision, Omar Abdullah dismissed rumours of a rift between the National Conference and Congress. He clarified that not all nine Cabinet vacancies would be filled immediately, saying, “I will not be filling all nine vacancies in the council of ministers. Some vacancies will be kept open as we are in talks with Congress.”
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by several opposition leaders, including Congress figures Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Before the ceremony, Abdullah paid respects at the mausoleum of his grandfather and National Conference founder, Sheikh Abdullah.
This new government formation represents a significant development in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, coming after a prolonged period of direct central rule.
It also highlights the ongoing discussions about statehood and governance in the region, with the Congress’s stance on Cabinet participation underscoring the continued importance of the statehood issue in local politics.
As the new administration takes shape, observers will be closely watching how it navigates the unique challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir, balancing local aspirations with the new constitutional reality of its Union Territory status.
