Jammu and Kashmir has welcomed a new Chief Minister. On Wednesday, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah took the oath as CM. The swearing-in ceremony at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre by Dal Lake in Srinagar also witnessed a show of strength by the Indian Bloc. From Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to SP President Akhilesh Yadav and PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti, all marked their presence. However, Mehbooba laid down conditions for the NC government to fulfill its electoral promises during her media interaction.
The first government formation post-Article 370 abolition saw Omar Abdullah swearing in as Jammu and Kashmir’s CM. MLA Surinder Choudhry from Naushera became Deputy CM, defeating BJP state president Ravindra Raina. Although the Congress, part of the alliance, is not included in the Omar-led government, they have opted for outside support. The National Conference and Congress jointly contested the assembly elections, yet no Congress representatives joined the government today.
PM Modi Congratulates Omar
Upon Omar's appointment as CM, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his congratulations. Modi tweeted on the platform X, “Congratulations to Omar Abdullah Ji on taking oath as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Best wishes for his endeavors to serve the people. The Centre will work with him and his team for the progress of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Source: aajtak
India Bloc Leaders Present...
The swearing-in ceremony became a showcase of strength for India Bloc leaders. Attendees included Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha leader Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, National Conference head Farooq Abdullah, SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav, PDP head Mehbooba Mufti, AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, CPI leader D Raja, NCP (Sharad Pawar) Rajya Sabha MP Supriya Sule, DMK MP Kanimozhi, and CPI(M) leader Prakash Karat.
A Dual Challenge for India Bloc...
Omar Abdullah had extended an invitation to all India Bloc allies for the oath ceremony. Post-defeat in Haryana, Congress views it as an opportunity to demonstrate coalition strength and unity. India Bloc now faces a dual challenge—JMM-led government striving for a comeback in Jharkhand, and replicating Lok Sabha-like performance in Maharashtra. Election dates are announced for both states. This moment is significant for Jammu and Kashmir and Abdullah as the elected government returns to power after 10 years. Omar Abdullah is set to assume the role of J&K’s CM for a second term.
Source: aajtak
Which Leaders Were Invited?
- Rahul Gandhi (Leader of Opposition, Congress)- Mallikarjun Kharge (President, Congress)- Mamata Banerjee (CM, West Bengal)- Sharad Pawar (President, NCP)- Akhilesh Yadav (President, SP)- Lalu Prasad Yadav (RJD)- MK Stalin (DMK)- Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena)- Hemant Soren (JMM)- Mehbooba Mufti (PDP)- Bhagwant Mann (CM, Punjab)- Arvind Kejriwal (AAP)
'Everything is Fine with Congress...'
In response to questions about Congress not joining the government, Omar Abdullah stated, “Congress is not out of the Cabinet. It’s their decision; we are discussing with them. I will not fill all 9 ministerial posts since we are in talks with Congress. Everything is fine between NC and Congress. Otherwise, Kharge Ji, Rahul Ji, and senior Congress leaders wouldn’t have attended. Their presence indicates our alliance is strong, and we will work for the people.”
Source: aajtak
'We Are Dissatisfied, Hence...'
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee President Tariq Hameed Karra expressed, “The Congress party is not currently joining the J&K government’s cabinet. We demand the restoration of statehood, as promised repeatedly in election rallies by the Prime Minister. Until that promise is fulfilled, we will refrain from joining the ministry. Congress will continue to fight for the restoration of state status.”
'Restore Statehood'
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, “I am here to offer my congratulations. We are pleased that our coalition ally became CM and democracy is established here after a long hiatus. We will ensure state status is restored.”
SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav noted, “Forming the government here was crucial, and receiving rights is even more vital.”
Source: aajtak
'First Pass a Condemnation Resolution – Mehbooba'
Attending Omar’s oath in gestures, PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti placed a condition before the new government. While conversing with the media, Mehbooba Mufti stated, “After many years, J&K has its own government. People elected this government. It’s a difficult phase for J&K, especially after 2019. We hope this new government will address people’s wounds. Primarily, the assembly should pass a condemnation resolution against the 2019 decisions.”
Mehbooba emphasized that a resolution should first be passed addressing the problems and pains caused by the 5 August 2019 decision, signaling that J&K people reject that decision. Besides, solutions for local unemployment, drug addiction, and electricity issues should be sought. The new administration should address the challenges facing J&K people. Omar was given a mandate because people hope he will heal their wounds.
'BJP Assisted NC into Power'
Awami Ittehad Party President and MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, known as Engineer Rashid, opined, “Our best wishes are with him, and we hope he will fulfill his promises. We also urge the Centre to support the government. Omar Abdullah speaks of restoring J&K’s state status alongside Articles 370 and 35A. However, Omar Abdullah is dodging the Article 370 issue. Before PM Modi abrogated Article 370, he met Farooq Abdullah, who claimed nothing would be revoked, yet it was repealed, and Farooq and Omar were housed in a guest accommodation. It appears Farooq and Omar Abdullah facilitated the Article 370 removal after discussions. This was clearly a fixed match, and there is no doubt that BJP aided NC into power.”
Source: aajtak
Independent MLA Satish Sharma, after taking the oath as a J&K Cabinet Minister, expressed, “I congratulate the people of J&K for electing a stable government. We have a duty to serve the public. I also congratulate the CM. Omar Abdullah asserted he has given Jammu its fair share. We expect the Centre to be magnanimous and restore our dramatically seized rights.”
J&K BJP President Ravindra Raina stated, “I congratulate Omar Abdullah for taking the oath as J&K’s new CM and his Council of Ministers too. I hope they will work to establish peace in J&K and resolve public issues.”
J&K Minister Sakina Ittoo commented, “Numerous issues exist. In the past decade, people’s democratic rights were stripped. By voting in large numbers, people have reclaimed those rights. Their voices were silenced, unheard. There was no development. Many challenges lie ahead in electricity and health sectors—inflation and unemployment have increased. Currently, the task is very challenging because expectations are high, and meeting those is imperative to work for the betterment of the people.”
