Srinagar: Farooq Abdullah, president of the National Conference (NC), declared that his son, Omar Abdullah, will assume the role of Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir as the NC-Congress alliance appears poised for a decisive victory in the union territory.
In comments to reporters, Farooq Abdullah stated, “The people have responded positively to the abrogation of Article 370.”
He emphasized the mandate received after a decade, expressing hope that the alliance would fulfill the expectations of the electorate. “It will not be a ‘police raj’ but a ‘people’s rule.’ We aim to secure the release of innocent individuals imprisoned and ensure a free media,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of fostering trust between Hindus and Muslims, stating his optimism that partners in the INDIA alliance would join efforts to restore statehood in the region. “I understand Omar Abdullah will become the CM,” he confirmed.
Notably, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah won his second seat, Ganderbal, by a margin of 10,574 votes after victory in Budgam earlier.
Current trends show the NC-Congress alliance leading in 52 out of 90 assembly seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party is trailing with 27 seats, the Peoples Democratic Party with 2, and other parties holding 9 seats.
These assembly elections are historic, marking the first since significant changes occurred in Jammu and Kashmir over the past five years, including the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, which transformed the state into a Union Territory and led to the creation of Ladakh as a separate UT without a legislature.
