Omar Abdullah to Be Chief Minister of J&K, Congress Secures One Cabinet Berth

Limya Mahajan

Srinagar: National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah is poised to take over as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, according to well-placed sources. In a surprising development, there will be no Deputy Chief Minister in the upcoming government, contrary to earlier speculations.

 

 

 

 

 

The Congress, a key player in the recent elections, is expected to receive one Cabinet position. Likely contenders for this seat include GA Mir, MLA from Dooru, or Tariq Hamid Karra, JKPCC chief and MLA from Central Shalteng. In addition, the Congress may also be offered the post of Deputy Speaker, further solidifying its influence in the new government.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The NC’s Cabinet is expected to include two Hindu MLAs from Jammu—Surender Kumar Choudhary (Nowshera) and Arjun Kumar Singh (Ramban)—alongside a Muslim MLA from the region. The remaining positions will likely be filled by NC legislators from Kashmir.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prominent figures expected to assume Cabinet roles from NC include Abdul Rahim Rather, Sakeena Masood Itoo, and Salman Sagar, among others. This diverse representation of both Hindu and Muslim MLAs from Jammu and Kashmir reflects the NC’s balanced approach as it prepares to lead the state through significant political challenges, including the ongoing dialogue on the restoration of statehood.

 

 

 

 

The new government is set to address key issues while navigating the complex political landscape of the region.