“Priority Is Restoring J &K Statehood” Says Omar
“Will Stake Claim For Govt Formation After Receiving Letter Of Support From Cong”
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) unanimously elected Omar Abdullah as the leader of its Legislative Party on Wednesday. Following his election, Abdullah expressed his gratitude to the party’s legislators for their trust in him.
“There was a meeting of the National Conference’s Legislative Party, and they chose me as their leader. I am deeply grateful for their faith and the opportunity to go to Raj Bhavan to stake a claim to form the government,” Abdullah, who is also the party president said.
Omar also spoke about ongoing discussions with the Congress party for their formal support. Talks are underway to secure a letter of support from the Congress. Additionally, four independent MLAs have extended their support to the National Conference. With the backing of these independents, the National Conference now holds 46 seats, he said.
Once the Congress’s letter of support is secured, Omar plans to visit Raj Bhavan to formally stake his claim to form the government. Meanwhile Highly Placed Informed Sources told “ Kashmir Horizon” that Congress Legislature Party meeting is likely to be held today to formally handover the letter of Support to National Conference at the earliest.
Earlier in the day, Abdullah emphasized the importance of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, stating that any new government must prioritize this issue.
“Once the government is formed, we must pass a resolution and engage with the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, and other central ministers to restore statehood,” he said.
Abdullah also highlighted the need for a cooperative relationship with the Lieutenant Governor (LG). “We do not seek confrontation with the LG. Instead, we aim to work harmoniously for the benefit of the people until we restore statehood. Peaceful cooperation is our goal,” he added.
When asked about a congratulatory call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abdullah revealed, “The Prime Minister congratulated the National Conference, and I thanked him. I also expressed our desire for a cooperative and positive environment to work for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he said.
Abdullah declined to comment on potential portfolio allocations or whether a Congress leader might assume the role of Deputy Chief Minister.
“Our responsibility now is to meet the expectations of the people who have placed great trust in us. We secured many seats through this coalition, and we must deliver,” Abdullah said, adding that the future government will work for all citizens, including those who voted for other parties or did not vote at all.
“We are not here to seek revenge on those who didn’t vote for us. Our government will represent everyone—the Congress, the National Conference, the BJP, and even those who abstained from voting.
In Srinagar, only 20 per cent voted—should we ignore the remaining 80 per cent? They too deserve the benefits of governance. Similarly, the people of Jammu, who voted for the BJP, also have the right to benefit from the government,” he added.
Omar will be the first chief minister of the UT with Congress support. The coalition government will have 48 seats and the support of a few independent legislators.
Sources informed Kashmir Horizon that the National Conference (NC) and Congress alliance plans to hold a joint meeting on Friday to officially nominate Omar Abdullah as the leader of the alliance and the chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming government.
Additionally, the alliance will meet with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday to stake their claim for government formation.
In related developments, Congress’s J&K chief, Tariq Karra, traveled to New Delhi on Wednesday afternoon to update the Congress high command about recent events and provide a list of legislators for the new government’s 10-member cabinet.
