Srinagar, October 16, 2024-Omar Abdullah of the National Conference took the oath of office on Wednesday as the Chief Minister of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoJK). Surinder Singh Choudhary, who made headlines by defeating the state BJP chief Ravinder Raina, has been appointed Deputy Chief Minister, ensuring representation for Jammu in the new administration.
The Congress party has opted not to join the new cabinet at this time, citing its demand for the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, a promise made by the Centre. The party stated it would continue to advocate for this cause.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha administered the oath to Omar Abdullah at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), located on the picturesque banks of Dal Lake. The ceremony was attended by prominent leaders of the INDIA bloc, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, DMK’s Kanimozhi, and NCP’s Supriya Sule.
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were welcomed at Srinagar airport as they arrived to attend the swearing-in ceremony. This marks Omar Abdullah’s second term as Chief Minister, making him the first to assume office after the revocation of Article 370 and the conversion of the erstwhile state into a Union Territory in 2019.
