J&K: Omar Abdullah elected as National Conference legislature party leader

In a fresh twist in Jammu and Kashmir politics, four Independent MLAs have extended support to the National Conference for the formation of government. With this development, the National Conference has hit the magic number of 46 on its own. The National Conference can now stake claim for forming government without the support of Congress or any other party. 

The Vice President of the National Conference, Omar Abdullah, was on Thursday chosen as the leader of the legislative party and candidate for the chief minister’s post of Jammu and Kashmir. 

The meeting was attended by all 42 MLAs of National Conference, and the four Independent MLAs. 

“Today in the meeting of the National Conference Legislature Party, I have been elected as the leader of the Legislature Party. I express my gratitude to the MLAs. Talks are going on to get the letter of support from Congress. Four independent MLAs have also extended their support to the National Conference. Now the number of NCs is 42 plus 4 independent MLAs. After receiving the letter from Congress, we will go to the Raj Bhavan to stake claim to form the government,” said Omar. 

With the National Conference getting the majority numbers on its own, the party will have the upper hand in the formation of government as well as in choosing the ministerial berths. Congress party has no choice but to toe the line of the National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir. Sources in the party have said that Congress will get one ministerial berth in the cabinet. 

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”We have unanimously chosen Omar Abdullah as our leader. It was a proud moment for all of us and it was very emotional. The leadership of NC met like this after ten long years and Omar saab was chosen as the leader. I am sure his experience will help in solving the problems of people. Absolutely, we are sure he will be the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir,” said Salman Sagar, MLA from Hazratbal. 

It is likely that the National Conference and Congress will go to LG’s office on Thursday to stake the claim for the formation of the government.