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Omar Abdullah’s Political Comeback: National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir

Omar Abdullah

Omar Abdullah is poised to reclaim the Chief Minister’s seat in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a political comeback after a resounding victory in the 2024 Assembly elections. The National Conference (NC), led by Omar’s father Farooq Abdullah, along with its ally Congress, crossed the majority mark, securing 48 seats in the 90-member Assembly.

Speaking to the media, Farooq Abdullah emphasized the significance of this electoral win, linking it to the rejection of the abrogation of Article 370, the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir that was revoked in August 2019. “The people have given their mandate. They have proven they do not accept the decision taken on August 5,” Farooq said. He confirmed Omar Abdullah’s return to the Chief Ministerial post, stating confidently, “Omar will be the Chief Minister.”

Omar Abdullah echoed his father’s sentiments, expressing gratitude to the voters for the unexpected level of support. “We are thankful for the overwhelming trust the people have placed in us. Our focus now is to prove we are worthy of these votes,” he remarked. While the final tally was yet to be declared, the NC was already leading in 34 seats and had secured seven, while Congress held six. Together, they comfortably crossed the halfway mark of 46 seats needed for a majority.

For Omar, this victory holds deep personal significance. He successfully contested in two key constituencies—Budgam and Ganderbal—winning both by significant margins. This follows a challenging year, where he faced defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, losing the Baramulla seat by over two lakh votes to independent candidate Engineer Rashid. Reflecting on this, Omar said, “Baramulla was a strange circumstance, and I proved it with my victory. This was a difficult election, especially after a significant loss, but the support has been humbling.”

The National Conference’s agenda, particularly on the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, was central to its campaign. The party has consistently called for a reversal of the Union Territory status imposed after the revocation of Article 370. Omar Abdullah reiterated his demand for statehood, appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji to honor his previous commitments. “We expect the Prime Minister to fulfill his promise to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood,” Omar stated, underscoring the need for reconciliation and dialogue with the central government.

During the campaign, Omar Abdullah and the National Conference faced the daunting task of changing the political landscape. The region, once enjoying special privileges under Article 370, is now a Union Territory and the new government will inherit the complex task of rebuilding trust between the state and the centre. Nonetheless, Omar remains optimistic about the future, confident in his party’s ability to steer Jammu and Kashmir towards greater stability and prosperity.

As preparations for the swearing-in ceremony gained momentum, the media said that Omar Abdullah had already placed orders for ceremonial attire ahead of the results. Alongside his father, the Abdullahs appear ready to usher in a new chapter for Jammu and Kashmir, one marked by a commitment to restoring the region’s status and rebuilding its political fabric.

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