The National Conference-led alliance staked claim to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir, setting the ball rolling for the formation of the first government of the union territory.
Chief Minister-designate Omar Abdullah met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to present letters of support from coalition partners, shortly after the Congress officially extended its backing to the party. He indicated the oath-taking ceremony may take place on Wednesday.
Abdullah was unanimously elected the leader of the NC Legislature Party on Thursday, setting the stage for his second term as chief minister.
After meeting LG Manoj Sinha, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah told ANI , “I met the LG and handed over letters of support that I have received from the Congress, CPM, AAP and independents. I requested him to fix a date for the swearing-in ceremony so that the government can start functioning. It will be a long process as there is Centre rule here. The LG will first send the documents to Rashtrapati Bhawan and then to Home Ministry. We have been told it will take 2-3 days. So if it happens before Tuesday, we will have the swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday… All I want to say is that Jammu will not be ignored in this government.”
Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir quoted by ANI said , “There was no scope of happening talks. Everyone knows we fought the elections as an alliance. This was a technical requirement that the alliance partners have to give their letter of support to the leader. Now he will meet the LG. Omar Abdullah and LG Sahab will have discussions and then the date of oath taking ceremony will be decided. I think the ceremony will take place within 3-4 days…”
