Before Oath, Omar Visits Grandfather’s Grave; pays tribute
KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Oct 16: Omar Abdullah was sworn in today as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant milestone as the union territory welcomes its first elected government in a decade.
The ceremony took place at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) under tight security, following the National Conference’s victory in the recent Union Territory elections.
Accompanying Abdullah in leadership roles, Senior NC leader Surinder Choudhary took the oath as Deputy Chief Minister. Additionally, NC leaders Sakina Yatoo, Javed Ahmad Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar, and Satish Sharma were sworn in as cabinet ministers.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha administered the oath to Abdullah and his council of ministers, with prominent political figures in attendance, including Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
All National Conference leaders were present to show their support for Abdullah as he takes on this vital role.
The recent J&K Assembly elections were held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, resulting in the NC and Congress securing a combined total of 48 seats, while the BJP won 29 and the PDP claimed three. Additionally, AAP’s Mehraj Malik achieved a historic win, marking the party’s first electoral success in Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, before the oath taking ceremony, Omar offered floral tributes at the Mazar-e-Anwar of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, his grandfather and the first Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
After his prayers, Abdullah emphasized the responsibilities of his government, stating, “We have to give people hope that this is their government and they will be heard. They were not being heard for the last 5-6 years.”
He acknowledged his previous role as the last Chief Minister to complete a full six-year term and expressed hope for the temporary status of Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory.
He indicated a desire to work with the government of India to resolve local issues, starting with the restoration of statehood.
