Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the chief minister of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, marking a significant moment following the National Conference's victory in the first assembly elections since the abrogation of Article 370. This ceremony took place at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.
Before the swearing-in ceremony, Abdullah, the vice president of the National Conference and CM-designate, paid his respects by offering Fatiha Khawani at Mazarat-e-Anwar of Sher-e-Kashmir and Madar-e-Meharban at Qaid Mazar, Naseem Bagh, Srinagar.
Official Oath Taking Ceremony
The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Jammu and Kashmir's lieutenant governor, Manoj Sinha. Abdullah assumes the role of chief minister for a second term, following his first tenure from 2009 to 2014, and is the third generation of the Abdullah family to hold this office, succeeding his grandfather Sheikh Abdullah and father Farooq Abdullah.
Diverse Political Attendance
The event saw a strong presence from leaders of the INDIA Bloc, including Congress figures Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge, as well as SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and representatives from various other parties such as the Left and DMK.
Despite the celebration, the Congress party announced its decision not to join the new government, expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of restored statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Tariq Hameed Karra emphasized the party's commitment to advocating for statehood restoration, a promise previously made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Security Measures in Place
Security was heightened around the swearing-in venue, reflecting the significance of this occasion as it marks the first elected government in Jammu and Kashmir since the reorganization of the former state into two Union Territories. The assembly elections saw 90 seats contested in a three-phase election, with results declared on October 8. The National Conference, in alliance with Congress, secured a total of 48 seats, with the National Conference leading the charge and Congress winning six.
Among those sworn in alongside Abdullah were ministers Sakina Itoo, Javeed Rana, Surinder Choudhary, Javeed Dar, and Satish Sharma, solidifying the new government’s structure in the union territory.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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