Srinagar – In a landmark moment, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took oath in the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory in his native Kashmiri language, aiming to forge a deeper connection with the people. The pro-tem Speaker Mubarak Gul administered the oath to Abdullah and 89 other newly elected legislators at the Srinagar Legislative Assembly complex, marking the end of a six-year legislative wait since the abrogation of Article 370 and the transition of J&K into a Union Territory in 2019.
Omar Abdullah’s decision to take the oath in Kashmiri took many by surprise, as he has historically struggled with the language. Despite being fluent in English and Urdu, he rarely spoke in Kashmiri throughout his political career, which began in 1998. His first significant use of the language came during his campaign for the Ganderbal constituency in the recent assembly elections. During a rally, he emotionally addressed voters in Kashmiri, a gesture that resonated well with the electorate. Omar’s emphasis on the language marks a shift in his approach to politics, aiming to align more closely with the cultural identity of the region.
Retaining the Ganderbal Seat: A Strategic Move
In the recent elections, Omar Abdullah won both the Budgam and Ganderbal assembly seats, defeating his rivals from the Jammu & Kashmir People's Democratic Party (JKPDP). However, he chose to resign from the Budgam seat and retain Ganderbal, a constituency deeply intertwined with his family's political legacy. The Ganderbal seat has been held by his father, Farooq Abdullah, and grandfather, Sheikh Abdullah, who founded the National Conference (NC). Omar previously served as the MLA from Ganderbal from 2009 to 2014 during his first tenure as Chief Minister.
This move, announced in the assembly by Pro-tem Speaker Mubarak Gul, underscores the significance of Ganderbal to Omar Abdullah's political identity. It allows him to focus his efforts on maintaining a stronghold in a region that has been central to the Abdullah family's influence in J&K politics.
Watch full Oath of Cm Omar Abdullah in J&K assembly
A Resilient National Conference & BJP's Rising Presence
The oath-taking ceremony not only highlighted the return of legislative activity in J&K but also underscored the political dynamics in the Union Territory. The National Conference, led by Omar Abdullah, holds 41 seats in the 95-member assembly, maintaining a comfortable majority with the support of six Congress MLAs, five Independents, and one MLA each from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist). On October 13, 2024, Indian Home Affair released a notification which marks end of center rule.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged as the second-largest party with 29 seats, its best-ever performance in the region. Despite their decision to boycott Abdullah's swearing-in ceremony as Chief Minister, the BJP members later took their oaths, promising to act as a robust opposition. BJP leader Sunil Sharma emphasized the party's commitment to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on development and peace in J&K.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead for New Government
The assembly's first session is expected to address critical issues facing the Union Territory, including calls for the restoration of statehood. On October 19, 2024, the Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Omar Abdullah, passed a resolution urging the Union Government to restore J&K’s statehood. The resolution marks a significant step, reflecting the aspirations of many residents who hope for a return to the region's former status.
Omar Abdullah’s focus as Chief Minister will be to balance regional demands with broader national interests, as well as to address the challenges that have emerged since the abrogation of Article 370. With the support of allies and a strategic focus on regional identity, his administration aims to deliver on the promises made during the campaign and address the socio-economic challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
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A Renewed Sense of Identity and Leadership
The oath-taking ceremony, particularly Omar Abdullah’s choice to speak in Kashmiri, is seen as a symbolic effort to reconnect with the cultural roots of the region. It represents a new chapter in J&K’s political landscape, where the importance of regional identity is being recognized alongside the pursuit of development and peace.
As the new assembly embarks on its journey, the focus will be on how effectively the National Conference-led government can navigate the political challenges, deliver on development promises, and engage with the central government regarding the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Omar Abdullah’s leadership and his renewed commitment to the Kashmiri language and identity may very well shape the future of the Union Territory in the coming years.
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