Omar Abdullah sworn in as J&K CM, Surinder Kumar Choudhary becomes deputy

In a historic moment for Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah was sworn in as J&K's new Chief Minister of the Union Territory (UT) of J&K on Wednesday. The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, was presided over by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Surinder Kumar Choudhary, a prominent leader from the Jammu region, was also sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister (DCM).

The newly formed Council of Ministers includes five other legislators: Satish Sharma, Sakina Yatoo, Javid Dar, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, and Javid Rana. These leaders represented a mix of regions and communities within J&K, ensuring a more inclusive governance model. Notably, Choudhary had recently won a key victory in the Nowshera constituency, defeating BJP leader Ravinder Raina, further strengthening his influence in Jammu.

This marks Omar Abdullah’s second term as Chief Minister, having previously held the position from 2009 to 2015. However, his return to power comes with a different set of challenges, as he now takes office as the first Chief Minister of J&K after it transitions to a Union Territory following the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. This move significantly changed the region's political landscape, with more powers vested in the Lieutenant Governor.

During the ceremony, Abdullah reflected on the changed political environment in J&K, noting the distinction between his previous tenure and the current one. "I was the last Chief Minister to serve a full six-year term. Now, I’ll be the first Chief Minister of the Union Territory of J&K," he remarked. Despite the challenges posed by the Union Territory status, Abdullah expressed hope that this arrangement is temporary and that the region might return to its previous status.

The induction of Surinder Kumar Choudhary as the Deputy Chief Minister is seen as a strategic move to bridge the gap between the Jammu and Kashmir regions. Choudhary, with his strong support base in Jammu, brings a balanced regional representation to the government, aiming to address the concerns of both Jammu and Kashmir.