Omar Abdullah sworn in as Jammu and Kashmir’s first Chief Minister after abrogation of Article 370

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Omar Abdullah took the oath as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s governance after the abrogation of Article 370. Abdullah, a seasoned leader of the National Conference (NC), began his term with a significant people-friendly gesture, announcing that his movements by road would not lead to the usual traffic disruptions.

In a move aimed at reducing public inconvenience, Abdullah said he had instructed the police not to enforce a “green corridor” during his travel, stating that the objective of his administration is to serve the people, not inconvenience them. “I have spoken to the Director General of Police, asking him to minimize public disruption during my road movements. The use of sirens will also be kept to a minimum,” Abdullah said. He added that he had also requested his cabinet colleagues to follow the same principle.

Abdullah was administered the oath of office and secrecy by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at a ceremony held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. Surinder Kumar, MLA from Nowshera, was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister, alongside other members of Abdullah’s new cabinet.

The event was attended by several prominent leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, among others from the INDIA alliance. The presence of top political figures highlighted the importance of this new political beginning in Jammu and Kashmir.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, Abdullah received a guard of honor at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar. His first meeting as Chief Minister was held with the secretaries of various departments, setting the stage for what he described as a people-centered administration. Abdullah emphasized that any form of stick-waving or aggressive gestures by the security personnel during his road movements should be completely avoided. “In everything, our conduct must be people-friendly,” he reiterated, making it clear that his government’s focus is on ensuring public convenience and welfare.

Backed by the National Conference-Congress alliance and a few independent members, Abdullah’s government enjoys a comfortable majority. The NC-Congress alliance secured a majority in the recently concluded Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, with NC winning 42 seats and Congress winning six.

This election, held in three phases and concluded on October 8, was the first in Jammu and Kashmir after the revocation of its special status under Article 370. The polls resulted in a diverse assembly with the BJP winning 29 seats, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) securing three, and one seat each going to the People’s Conference, CPI-M, and AAP. Seven independent candidates also claimed victories, further reflecting the political plurality in the region.