Vikrant Shekhawat : Oct 16, 2024, 11:30 AM
JK Government: National Conference leader Omar Abdullah will take oath as Chief Minister today, October 16 at 11:30 am. Before the swearing-in, the Congress has taken a major political decision, making it clear that the party will not be a part of Omar Abdullah's government, but will support it from outside. Congress and National Conference contested the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections in alliance and also won.Congress's decision and its reasonCongress explained the reason behind this decision and said that their local unit wanted the party to join the government, but the Congress high command expressed dissatisfaction over the party's performance in the state. The high command decided that it would not be right to give ministerial posts to the leaders despite poor performance. Instead, local Congress leaders will be pressured to strengthen the organization. Under this decision, the Congress high command has given priority to organizational strength instead of ministerial posts.Prominent leaders to attend the swearing-inOmar Abdullah's swearing-in ceremony will be attended by several prominent leaders, including Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, NCP MP Supriya Sule, DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, and CPI leader D Raja. The ceremony will be held on the banks of Dal Lake, one of the most iconic landmarks in Kashmir.Venue of swearing-in ceremonyOmar Abdullah's swearing-in ceremony along with that of his council of ministers will be held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will administer the oath of office to Omar Abdullah as the chief minister. Omar Abdullah has previously served as chief minister under the NC-Congress alliance from 2009 to 2014.Eight MLAs to take oathAlong with Omar Abdullah, eight members of his council of ministers will also take oath as ministers. As recently as October 11, Omar Abdullah had staked claim to form the government with letters of support from 42 National Conference MLAs, four independent MLAs, six Congress MLAs and a CPI(M) representative. After the swearing-in, Omar Abdullah will also meet administrative secretaries at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar.With this historic moment, a new political chapter is beginning in Jammu and Kashmir, in which Omar Abdullah's leadership will play an important role. Congress's support from outside and emphasis on organisational strength reflect the direction of his future strategy.