Omar Abdullah, leader of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday at a ceremony held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. The event was attended by prominent leaders from the INDIA alliance, including Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti. Despite their presence, the Congress party, which had fought the elections in alliance with JKNC, has opted not to be part of the new government.
Omar Abdullah Takes Oath Amid Political Shifts
In a significant political development, Omar Abdullah took the oath as the first Chief Minister of the newly formed Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, with many political leaders from the INDIA bloc witnessing the historic moment. These elections were the first since Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
“The Congress party, which allied with the JKNC for the Assembly polls, has decided to sit out of the government,” marking a notable shift in the alliance dynamics. The JKNC secured a substantial victory, winning 42 out of the 90 seats in the Assembly elections, while the Congress managed only seven seats. Four independent MLAs extended their support to Abdullah, enabling him to surpass the required majority of 45 seats to form the government.
Key Leaders Attend the Ceremony
The swearing-in ceremony attracted several top political figures. Among those present were Akhilesh Yadav, the head of the Samajwadi Party, Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi from the Congress, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, AAP’s Sanjay Singh, and CPI leader D Raja. Their attendance underscored the importance of this political moment, as Jammu and Kashmir navigates its future as a Union Territory with a new government at the helm.
“The NC-Congress alliance last governed the region from 2009 to 2014,” but despite their combined efforts in this election, the Congress’ disappointing performance led to their decision to step back from participating in the administration.
Elections and Results Overview
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, held in three phases from September 18 to October 1, culminated in results being declared on October 8, alongside the Haryana elections. The polls were significant not only because they were the first since the bifurcation of the state but also because they tested the political waters after the revocation of the region’s special status.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the main opposition party in Jammu and Kashmir, secured 29 seats. The party had been optimistic about forming the government by campaigning heavily on the abrogation of Article 370, a move they had long championed. However, their efforts fell short, and the party was unable to cross the majority threshold.
In contrast, the BJP retained power in Haryana, securing its third consecutive term in the state—a victory that came as a surprise to many, including the Congress, which had expected to make significant gains after 10 years of BJP rule.
The Road Ahead for Jammu and Kashmir
Abdullah’s return to power comes at a pivotal time for the Union Territory, as it embarks on a new chapter following the 2019 bifurcation. The new government faces numerous challenges, from addressing political tensions to focusing on development and governance in a region with a unique political history.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Assembly elections were closely watched across the country, given the region’s significance and the changes it has undergone. “On Monday, J-K LG Manoj Sinha invited Abdullah to form the next government in the union territory,” marking the formal beginning of his term.
As the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir continues to evolve, Abdullah’s leadership will be crucial in shaping the future of the region, particularly in terms of governance and stability, as well as navigating the complex relationships between regional and national political forces.
Omar Abdullah’s swearing-in as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir marks the beginning of a new era for the Union Territory, with the JKNC at the helm. The absence of Congress from the government despite their pre-election alliance highlights a significant shift in political alliances. As the region moves forward, the new government will need to address both political and administrative challenges to ensure progress and stability.
