Srinagar, 16-10-2024: In a significant political event for Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister-designate Omar Abdullah paid tribute at the Mazar-e-Anwar of his grandfather, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, in Srinagar on Wednesday, just hours before his swearing-in ceremony. Sheikh Abdullah, widely known as “Sher-e-Kashmir,” served as the first Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir post-accession and later as Chief Minister. Omar’s father, Farooq Abdullah, also held the Chief Minister position three times, making it a legacy within the Abdullah family.
Following his visit to the gravesite, Omar Abdullah addressed the media, acknowledging the responsibilities and challenges that lie ahead for his administration. “We have a lot of work to do. It’s important to give people the hope that this government belongs to them and that their voices will be heard. They have felt ignored for the past 5-6 years, and it is our duty to change that,” he said.
Reflecting on the unique position he now holds, Omar noted, “I carry a few distinctions—I was the last Chief Minister to complete a full six-year term, and now I’ll be the first Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. While I’m proud of my previous tenure, I sincerely hope that the Union Territory status is temporary. We are committed to working with the Government of India to address the people’s concerns, and the best step forward would be the restoration of statehood.”
The oath-taking ceremony is set to be held at the Sheri-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will administer the oath of office to Omar Abdullah and his appointed council of ministers. This marks the first formation of an elected government in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganization of the former state into two Union Territories.
Omar Abdullah previously served as Chief Minister from 2009 to 2015 and has also been a Member of Parliament. He held the position of Union Minister of State for External Affairs during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s NDA government from 2001 to 2002. Jammu and Kashmir had been under President’s rule since 2018 when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) withdrew its support from the coalition government led by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) under Mehbooba Mufti. With the conclusion of recent Assembly elections, President’s rule was revoked, allowing the formation of a new government.
An official letter, shared by Omar Abdullah on social media platform X, confirmed his appointment. The letter, dated October 11, 2024, from Dr. Farooq Abdullah, President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), announced Omar’s unanimous election as the Leader of the Legislature Party. In response, LG Manoj Sinha extended his invitation, stating, “I shall administer the Oath of Office and Secrecy to you and your recommended council members at SKICC, Srinagar, on 16th October 2024 at 11:30 a.m. I wish you a productive tenure and success in your endeavors for the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
The event will also see the attendance of several leaders from the INDIA Bloc, including Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav, NCP’s Supriya Sule, CPI(M)’s Prakash Karat, and DMK’s Kanimozhi, who have arrived in Srinagar for the occasion. The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) shared images of these leaders on social media, highlighting the significance of the occasion and the support extended by allied parties.
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