Srinagar

The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is all set to have its first elected government as the National Conference leader Omar Abdullah is scheduled to take oath as chief minister on October 16. The oath taking ceremony to be presided over by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha will be held in the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Center (SKICC), Srinagar on the banks of Dal Lake.

This will be Omar Abdullah second stint as Chief Minister of J&K – earlier he held the position from 2008-2016 (JK assembly has a term of six years back then). Also, Omar Abdullah’s will be the first elected regime after the whittling down of Article 370 and 35A from the Indian Constitution.

Sharing the letter on X, sent by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Omar Abdullah said, "Was pleased to receive the Principal Secretary to LG Manoj Sinha ji. He handed over a letter from the @OfficeOfLGJandK inviting me to form the next government in J-K."

Was pleased to receive the Principal Secretary to LG Manoj Sinha ji. He handed over a letter from the @OfficeOfLGJandK inviting me to form the next government in J&K. pic.twitter.com/D2OeFJwlKi

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) October 14, 2024

Earlier, the president's rule in Jammu and Kashmir was revoked, clearing the way for the formation of a new government following the recently concluded Assembly polls in the Union Territory.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a gazette notification in this regard on Sunday.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 73 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 (34 of 2019) read with articles 239 and 239A of the Constitution of India, the Order dated the 31st October 2019 in relation to the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir shall stand revoked immediately before the appointment of the Chief Minister under section 54 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019," read the official order.

The 90 seats in the region were contested in a three-phase election, with the results announced on October 8. NC-Congress alliance secured 48 seats, with the NC leading the alliance to victory, as the Congress won only six seats. The BJP emerged as a majority party with 28 seats from Jammu and will be the main opposition party in the House.

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Speculations are going on about the names of ministers that Omar will chose as ministers while Omar Abdullah and is busy meeting people coming to congratulate him and also visiting dignitaries like the Indian cricket legends who are in Srinagar for the.ongoing Legends League Cricket.

Former cricketers Syed Kirmani & Yusuf Pathan (MP) called on JKNC President Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah at their residence Gupkar Road Srinagar.

Advisor to JKNC President and MLA Chanapora Mushtaq Guroo was also present ok the occasion. pic.twitter.com/iXrcp4Bzh2

— REHMAT CHOWDHARY. (@RehmatChowdhar1) October 13, 2024