NC-led block stakes claim to form govt: oath-taking likely on Wed

MP, 12 Oct 2024, Srinagar: The National Conference (NC)-led alliance staked claim to form Jammu and Kashmir’s first government as a Union Territory on Tuesday, marking a significant political development. 

Omar Abdullah, the chief minister-designate, met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to present letters of support from coalition partners, including the Congress, CPI(M), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Independents. 

The NC won 42 out of 90 seats in the recent elections, while Congress secured six. With support from other parties, the alliance holds a majority in the 95-member assembly. 

Abdullah is expected to take the oath on Wednesday, though administrative procedures may delay the process. 

This government formation comes after Jammu and Kashmir’s reorganization into two union territories in 2019, following the revocation of Article 370. 

Abdullah, who served as chief minister from 2009 to 2014, expressed confidence in the new coalition and its potential to bring development across the region. 

he National Conference-led alliance on Tuesday staked claim to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir, setting the ball rolling for the formation of the first government of the union territory. 

Chief Minister-designate Omar Abdullah met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to present letters of support from coalition partners, shortly after the Congress officially extended its backing to the party. He indicated the oath-taking ceremony may take place on Wednesday. Abdullah was unanimously elected the leader of the NC Legislature Party on Thursday, setting the stage for his second term as chief minister. 

His first term, from 2009 to 2014 when Jammu and Kashmir was a full-fledged state, was also under an NC-Congress coalition government. The NC won 42 out of the 90 seats which went to poll in the recent elections, while the Congress won six. 

Together, the two pre-poll allies hold a majority in the 95-member assembly -- five members are to be nominated by the L-G. The strength is further bolstered by support from four independent MLA-elect and a lone Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA-elect. “I met the L-G and presented the letters of support from the NC, Congress, CPI(M), AAP, and independents backing the NC. 

I requested him to schedule the oath ceremony at the earliest so that the government elected by the people can start functioning,” Abdullah told reporters at his residence following his meeting with the lieutenant governor. 

A Raj Bhavan spokesperson said Abdullah handed over the letters of support of the parties to the L-G.