The News Craving
Srinagar:
National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir today at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.
The oath ceremony was administered by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. This marks Abdullah’s second term as Chief Minister, having previously held the position from 2009 to 2015. Alongside him, five cabinet ministers—Satish Sharma, Sakina Yetoo, Javid Dar, Sunrinder Chowdhury, and Javid Rana—were also sworn in.
Surinder Kumar Choudhary has been appointed Deputy Chief Minister. He won his seat from Nowshera by defeating BJP leader Ravinder Raina.
The swearing-in ceremony saw the attendance of prominent political leaders, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and KC Venugopal, as well as Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and CPI (M) leader Prakash Karat.
Omar Abdullah is set to hold his first meeting with all Administrative Secretaries at 3 PM today at the Civil Secretariat. Sources indicate that he will convene his first Cabinet meeting within two days.
Abdullah’s National Conference party, along with its allies, secured 49 seats in the 2024 Legislative Assembly elections, paving the way for his return as Chief Minister. On October 11, Abdullah met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to discuss the formation of the new government.
With over two decades in politics, Abdullah has held various significant positions, including Union Minister of State for External Affairs and President of the National Conference party. (GNS)
