On Wednesday, Omar Abdullah will likely take the oath of office as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), with significant attendance from top leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc.
Sources indicate that the new Council of Ministers will consist of just four members, all from Abdullah’s National Conference (NC), marking a distinct shift in the regional political landscape.
The absence of representatives from the Congress party and independent MLAs in the new Cabinet suggests a consolidation of power under Abdullah’s leadership.
NC MLA Surinder Choudhary, who notably defeated the J&K BJP President, Ravinder Raina, in the Nowshera constituency, and Sakina Itoo, who has previously served as a minister in Abdullah-led administrations will join him in the oath-taking ceremony.
The Cabinet will also include two additional new faces from the National Conference. Sources reveal that no senior NC leaders will be appointed, highlighting a move towards a younger leadership dynamic within the party.
The swearing-in ceremony is at 11:30 AM at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.
Prominent leaders of the INDIA bloc expected to attend include Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi.
Additionally, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav has arrived in Srinagar ahead of the event.
Farooq Abdullah, the NC President and Omar’s father, has extended invitations to all 21 parties within the INDIA alliance.
Confirmed attendees include leaders from various parties, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin delegating DMK MP Kanimozhi to represent him due to adverse weather conditions in Tamil Nadu.
Authorities have beefed up security measures and implemented traffic restrictions along Boulevard Road leading to the SKICC to ensure a smooth ceremony.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will administer the oath to Abdullah and his Council of Ministers.
After his swearing-in, Omar Abdullah will convene a meeting with all administrative secretaries at 3 PM to outline his government’s agenda, followed by his first Cabinet meeting scheduled for Thursday.
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