Omar Abdullah Set to Claim Throne as First CM of J&K UT 

Meets LG Sinha, Stakes Claim to Form Government 

*Srinagar, Oct 11: National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah took a significant step toward forming Jammu and Kashmir’s first elected government as a Union Territory (UT) on Friday. Abdullah met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan, presenting letters of support from a coalition of political parties, including NC, Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), CPI(M), and several independent candidates. The coalition’s goal is to establish a stable government in J&K after a decade-long gap since the region last had a functioning elected assembly.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, Omar Abdullah stated that he had formally staked his claim to form the new government. “I met the LG and handed over letters of support. I requested a date for the swearing-in ceremony to be held, but it may take a few days as the LG’s office will forward the documents to the President’s office and the Home Ministry in New Delhi,” Abdullah explained. He added that, based on current timelines, the oath ceremony is likely to take place next Wednesday.
This development follows Abdullah’s selection as the NC’s Legislature Party leader during a meeting held at the party’s Nawa-e-Subh headquarters in Srinagar. The Congress party, which has formed a pre-poll alliance with the NC, had also convened a Legislature Party meeting earlier in the day, where it finalized its support with six legislators backing Abdullah’s leadership.
While the NC emerged victorious in the recently concluded three-phase assembly elections, sweeping 42 seats in Kashmir, the Congress struggled, securing only six seats. Four independent candidates, initially NC rebels, have since pledged their support to the party, bringing the NC-led coalition’s total seat count to 46, enough for a majority in the 90-member assembly.
Abdullah also emphasized that, despite concerns over representation, there would be no injustice toward Jammu, which saw the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gain significant ground, winning 29 seats. The BJP has stated its intention to sit in opposition, with a focus on addressing the concerns of the Jammu region.
Regarding the upcoming swearing-in ceremony, Abdullah said preparations would begin soon, and that invitations would be extended to dignitaries. “My father, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, as the leader of the INDIA alliance, will finalize the guest list. I will start sending invitations tomorrow,” he remarked.
The next few days will see final meetings and preparations for what will be a historic moment for Jammu and Kashmir, marking the formation of its first government under Union Territory status, following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.