National Conference Secures Majority in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly

In a significant political development in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Conference, led by Omar Abdullah, has announced that the party has gained a majority in the Assembly with the support of four Independent Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). According to Abdullah, the party now has a total of 46 seats and is awaiting a formal letter of support from the Congress to stake a claim to form the government.

Earlier on Thursday, Omar Abdullah was elected as the leader of the National Conference legislature party, a critical step towards his potential appointment as Chief Minister. During a press conference, Abdullah expressed his gratitude to the party’s legislators for their faith in him. “You are aware of the decision that was taken. A meeting of the NC legislature party took place, the legislature party has decided its leader and I am thankful from the bottom of my heart to the NC legislators that they have reposed their faith in me and given me a chance to stake claim for government formation,” he stated.

Abdullah emphasized the necessity for the new government to pass a resolution and engage in discussions with the central authorities to restore the region’s statehood. He noted, “Once the government is formed, it should pass a resolution and then engage in talks with the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and other ministers in Delhi.” He also stressed the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with the Lieutenant Governor to ensure the welfare of the people.

In response to questions about receiving a congratulatory call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abdullah conveyed his gratitude and the alliance’s aim to foster a cooperative environment to benefit the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. However, he refrained from commenting on possible portfolio allocations within the government or the likelihood of a Congress leader assuming the Deputy Chief Minister’s role.

Abdullah further assured that the future government would represent all political affiliations and would work for the betterment of all citizens, irrespective of their voting choices. “We are not the type to seek revenge on those who didn’t vote for us. The upcoming government will represent the Congress, the National Conference, the BJP, and even those who abstained from voting,” he added.

This development comes in the context of an overall political strategy by the INDIA bloc, composed of the National Conference, Congress, and CPI(M), that has managed to secure a supportive coalition with Independents. This bloc now controls a total of 53 of the 90 Assembly seats. The elections were conducted amidst complex challenges involving the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the region’s political dynamics, with voters showing a preference for the INDIA bloc’s platform, emphasizing reconciliation, autonomy, and the restoration of statehood.