New Local Government Takes Office in Jammu and Kashmir

Omar Abdullah was sworn in as chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, leading a new local government formed after a five-year hiatus following the region’s loss of autonomy, Arab News reported today.

Abdullah, who previously served from 2009 to 2014, heads the National Conference party, which won 42 out of 90 assembly seats in the recent election. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 29 seats, while the Congress party won six.

Abdullah expressed hope that the union territory status would be temporary and called for the restoration of statehood to address local issues. The region has been under direct control of New Delhi since the repeal of Article 370 in 2019, which downgraded its status. The lieutenant governor, Manoj Sinha, retains significant authority, limiting the new government’s powers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Abdullah and pledged cooperation for the region’s progress.