Congress Decision On Support Letter Today As CM-Elect Omar Abdullah Prepares to Stake Claim

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) on Thursday unanimously elected Omar Abdullah as the leader of its Legislative Party, allowing him to stake claim to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, four Independent MLAs extended support to Abdullah, helping him cross the majority mark in the assembly.

“There was a meeting of the National Conference’s Legislative Party, and the Legislative Party decided on its leader. I am deeply grateful to the National Conference legislators for reposing faith in me, trusting me, and giving me the chance to go to Raj Bhavan and stake a claim to form the government,” Omar Abdullah said.

He also mentioned ongoing discussions with the Congress for their letter of support. The CM-elect said he intended to reach out to the governor after receiving Congress’ support.

The development comes after Jammu and Kashmir handed a big win to the National Conference and Congress alliance in the assembly elections. Of the total 90 seats in the UT, the NC contested 51 and gave 32 to its ally, the Congress, while one each was given to CPI(M) and the Panthers Party. On five seats, the two senior partners had a ‘friendly’ contest.

The NC emerged as the single-largest party with victory on 42 seats, including from two seats of Omar Abdullah. The BJP settled at the second spot with 29 seats, according to the poll results announced on October 8.

Here are the latest developments

• The National Conference now has 46 MLAs, with the support of four independents.
• After receiving the letter of support from the Congress, Abdullah intends to go to Raj Bhavan to stake his claim to form the government.
• Earlier in the day, Abdullah stated that whenever a government is formed in Jammu and Kashmir, it should pass a resolution and begin talks with the Union government to restore the region’s statehood.
• He further emphasised that they would make every effort to work harmoniously with the Lieutenant Governor (LG) for the benefit of the people.
• Omar Abdullah, in multiple media interactions, said hoping for the restoration of Article 370 from the very people who snatched it would be “foolish,” but his party would keep the issue alive and continue to raise it.