Shrinagar: In a historic political moment, Omar Abdullah took the oath as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, marking a significant leadership milestone as the region’s first Chief Minister since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. His swearing-in comes after his National Conference party secured a decisive victory in the recently concluded Union Territory elections. The oath ceremony, held amid heightened security, symbolizes a new chapter for Jammu and Kashmir, following its bifurcation into two Union Territories Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh over four years ago.
Security Tightens as Omar Abdullah Takes Oath
The event, set against the scenic Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, was presided over by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who administered the oath to Omar Abdullah and his ministers. Security forces were on high alert across the city, underscoring the political significance of the occasion in a region still grappling with the implications of Article 370’s revocation.
Before taking the oath, Omar Abdullah paid his respects at the Mazar-e-Anwar, the grave of his grandfather Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the iconic ‘Sher-e-Kashmir,’ a tribute to the political legacy of his family.
A Star-Studded Political Gathering
The oath ceremony saw a remarkable turnout of top opposition leaders from across India, signaling broader political unity. Prominent figures from the INDIA bloc, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, attended the event, highlighting the growing importance of alliances in Indian politics.
Key leaders from the opposition spectrum, such as People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti, Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav, CPI(M) stalwart Prakash Karat, NCP working president Supriya Sule, DMK’s Kanimozhi, and CPI(M) general secretary D Raja, arrived in Srinagar days ahead of the ceremony. Their attendance showcased the growing influence of the INDIA bloc, a coalition aimed at challenging the BJP in the upcoming national elections.
Congress Upset: Cabinet Berth Controversy Looms
However, beneath the celebratory surface, tensions brewed between the National Conference and the Congress party. The Congress expressed dissatisfaction over its lack of representation in Omar Abdullah’s cabinet, with reports suggesting that the party was offered only one ministerial berth despite its demands for three. In a further bid to smooth relations, the National Conference dangled the prospect of the Congress securing the Deputy Speaker position, but the move left many in the Congress ranks dissatisfied, stirring friction within the alliance.
As Omar Abdullah steps into his new role, the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir is set for a transformative period, with regional power dynamics and alliances likely to shape the future of this crucial Union Territory.
