Abdullah will lead Kashmir’s first elected government since the region’s semi-autonomy was abrogated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Abdullah is the son of an Indian politician and an English nurseImage: Indian National Congress
Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.
Abdullah is the chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) party.
Abdullah is now the leader of Kashmir’s first elected government since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi revoked the region’s special semi-autonomous status in 2019. Jammu and Kashmir is thus directly administered by the Indian federal government in New Delhi.
Abdullah’s JKNC won the most seats in a three-phase election prior to his swearing-in. The JKNC is staunchly opposed to Modi’s move to abrogate Kashmir’s semi autonomy, with the JKNC’s victory seen as backlash against Modi’s decision.
Modi, in a post on X, congratulated Abdullah on becoming chief minister: “Wishing him the very best in his efforts to serve the people.”
The JKNC is allied with the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), which is led by India’s largest opposition party, the Indian National Congress.
Rahul Gandhi, a member of the Congress Party who serves as leader of opposition in the Indian parliament’s lower house, or Lok Sabha, was present at Abdullah’s swearing in.
Gandhi extended his congratulations to Abdullah in a post on X. At the same time, he said “government formation without statehood felt incomplete today.”
“Democracy was snatched from the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and today we renew our pledge to continue our fight until statehood is fully restored,” Gandhi said.
