Omar Abdullah Set to Become Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir

The National Conference (NC) leader, Farooq Abdullah, announced on Tuesday that his son, Omar Abdullah, is expected to assume the position of Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. This declaration follows the party’s significant performance in the assembly elections, where they, together with their ally Congress, have crossed the halfway mark.

Speaking to the media, Farooq Abdullah highlighted the electoral mandate’s significance, stating, “People have given their mandate. They have proven that they don’t accept the decision that was taken on August 5,” referring to the abrogation of Article 370. He confirmed, “Omar Abdullah will be the chief minister.”

Omar Abdullah, who stood victorious in preliminary results, expressed gratitude towards voters, noting, “The way NC has got victory, we are thankful to the voters. People have supported us more than our expectations. Now our efforts will be to prove that we are worth these votes.”

As of the latest report, the National Conference had secured seven constituencies and was leading in 34 others. In alliance with Congress, which leads in six more seats, the coalition is set to surpass the required majority of 46 in the 90-member assembly.

The election outcomes come amid speculation over potential political alliances. Farooq Abdullah indicated openness to a post-election alliance with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from securing power. “Why not? How does it matter? If we all work for the same thing… for improvement in the condition of the people of the state,” he mentioned.

The NC-Congress coalition functions under the INDIA bloc, a strategic alliance aimed at opposing the BJP. The PDP, led by Mehbooba Mufti, did not join this alliance due to seat-sharing disagreements, opting to contest independently.

While exit polls predicted the NC-Congress alliance obtaining the highest seat count, the results may fall short of a clear majority. The PDP is potentially pivotal, expected to win between four and 12 seats, which could influence the formation of a secular government.

Meanwhile, Zuhaib Yusuf Mir, a PDP candidate, suggested a possible coalition with the NC and Congress to maintain Jammu and Kashmir’s secular identity. Contrarily, Iltija Mufti, Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter, deemed pre-result alliance talks as premature. Omar Abdullah also advised against hasty predictions, commenting, “They haven’t extended support, they haven’t offered support and we don’t know what the voters have decided yet.”

The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir remains dynamic as parties prepare for the confirmation of final election results and subsequent coalition negotiations.