Jammu Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Vice President, Omar Abdullah, has thanked the people of Jammu Kashmir for giving the party a decisive mandate, it’s best since 1996.
In an interview, Omar Abdullah has said that the people of Jammu Kashmir have come to vote in massive numbers only to express their anger against the abrogation of Article 370 and the policies of the BJP.
“In the first order of the business in the house, we will pass a resolution seeking the restoration of constitutional safeguards and statehood for Jammu Kashmir,” he said.
Omar Abdullah, the expected Chief Minister of Jammu Kashmir expressed his openness to engage with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), led by Mehbooba Mufti, if they initiate communication.
However, he clarified that no formal talks have taken place between the two parties since the recent election results.
His statement comes after the JKNC-led alliance, consisting of the National Conference and Congress, secured 49 seats in the 90-member assembly in the Jammu and Kashmir elections—the first held since the abrogation of Article 370.
The alliance’s victory has sparked discussions around the potential nomination of five MLAs by the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) as outlined in the Jammu Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019, which was revised in July 2023.
When addressing the possibility of engaging with the PDP, Abdullah acknowledged the party’s electoral setback and suggested they may be undergoing internal discussions.
“If a channel of communication opens, we will sit down and talk, but it is not a priority for us right now,” he stated.
The Reorganisation Act allows for the nomination of two women if the L-G deems female representation inadequate in the Assembly.
Furthermore, the amendment passed in 2023 enables the nomination of three additional members: two representing the Kashmiri migrant community and one for those displaced from parts of Jammu Kashmir beyond the LoC.
Should these nominations proceed, the Assembly’s strength would rise to 95, raising the majority mark to 48. Abdullah, however, insisted that the current power dynamics wouldn’t be affected since the NC-Congress alliance already has a majority.
Omar Abdullah has voiced concerns over the L-G potentially nominating members without consulting the newly elected government, particularly if they are from the BJP.
“Nominating these MLAs without keeping the elected government on board would create tensions between the Centre and the local government from the outset, which is something we wish to avoid,” he said, adding, “Nominating five members won’t change the government, so what is the point? It would only create unnecessary opposition.”
To counter any potential unilateral action by the L-G, Abdullah mentioned that the NC could consider approaching the Supreme Court. “If the nominations go through without consultation, we would have to appeal to the Supreme Court. This could create tensions with the Centre from day one, which we want to avoid as we aim to build a strong relationship,” he emphasized.
He also noted that independent candidates had shown interest in joining the alliance, which could further strengthen their numbers.
On broader political issues, Omar Abdullah reiterated the NC’s demand for the restoration of Jammu Kashmir’s statehood.
He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fulfil the government’s promise of restoring full statehood to the region, which has been a recurring matter in Parliament and the Supreme Court.
“We expect the honourable Prime Minister to do the right thing and restore statehood at the earliest. This is key to our broader plans for development, peace, and governance,” Abdullah stated, highlighting that this was a major point in the NC’s election manifesto.
As discussions on forming the new government begin, Abdullah has emphasized the need for a cooperative relationship with the Central Government. “The new government cannot afford an antagonistic relationship with the Centre. Once we are in place, the chief minister, whoever that may be, must establish a good working relationship with the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, and other leaders to ensure the development and peace that Jammu Kashmir desperately needs,” he stressed.
Although NC President Farooq Abdullah has endorsed Omar Abdullah as the next Chief Minister, Omar made it clear that the final decision rests with the alliance.
“I am grateful for the faith my father has shown in me, but this is a decision for the NC legislative party and our allies. Once we have all the letters of support, we will stake our claim to form the government,” he stated.
In the elections, Abdullah won the Ganderbal seat with a margin of over 10,000 votes and Budgam by over 18,000 votes.
He also expressed gratitude to the voters for their trust and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Jammu Kashmir.