Omar Abdullah is set to be sworn in as Chief Minister, prominent INDI alliance leaders to participate
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir today, marking his return to office in a historic moment for the region, which is holding its first Assembly elections since becoming a Union Territory after the abrogation of Article 370. The National Conference (NC), led by Abdullah, secured a majority in the elections, winning 42 out of 90 seats, with additional support from the Congress and Independent MLAs.
The oath-taking ceremony, to be held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, will be administered by Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha. Key political figures from the INDI alliance, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi, are expected to attend. Other invitees include leaders like Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, and Sharad Pawar, among others.
This event is highly symbolic, representing a significant step for Jammu and Kashmir following years of President's rule. Omar Abdullah, who previously served as the region's chief minister from 2009 to 2014, will be the first to hold the position under its new status as a Union Territory. His cabinet will consist of eight ministers, including representatives from the Congress.
Security has been heightened around the venue due to the high-profile nature of the event.