In a significant political development, Omar Abdullah, leader of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), took oath as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday morning. This marks his return to the position following the recent assembly elections, which were the first after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
However, the Congress, which allied with the National Conference (NC) to secure victory in the elections, has decided not to join the new government. According to reports, the Congress declined an offer for a ministerial berth in Omar Abdullah’s cabinet, opting instead to provide external support to the NC-led administration.
Speaking on the matter, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Chief Tariq Hameed Karra clarified the party’s stance. “The Congress Party is not joining the Ministry in the Jammu and Kashmir government at the moment. We have strongly demanded the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, as promised multiple times by the Prime Minister. Since statehood has not been restored, we are dissatisfied and have chosen not to join the Ministry at this time,” Karra said.
Omar Abdullah, however, hinted that discussions with the Congress regarding their role in the government were ongoing. “We are still in talks with the Congress regarding their status within the government,” Abdullah stated, according to NDTV.
The oath-taking ceremony, held earlier today, marks the beginning of a new phase for Jammu and Kashmir under Omar Abdullah’s leadership, who has been a vocal advocate for restoring statehood to the region. Video footage of the event circulated widely, capturing the moment Abdullah took his oath, alongside other dignitaries present at the ceremony.
The Congress has pledged to continue pushing for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, a demand that remains a central point in the party’s approach to the region. As the new government takes shape, it remains to be seen how the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir will evolve under Omar Abdullah’s leadership.
