Srinagar, Oct 16 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended his best wishes to Omar Abdullah on his becoming the Chief Minister and assured that the Centre will work closely with him and his team for the progress of Jammu and Kashmir.
PM Modi said on his official X-post handle, “Congratulations to Shri Omar Abdullah Ji on taking oath as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Wishing him the very best in his efforts to serve the people. The Centre will work closely with him and his team for J&K's progress. @OmarAbdullah”.
Earlier in the day, Omar Abdullah was administered the oath of office and secrecy by J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha. Five MLAs, including Surinder Choudhary, Sakina Itoo, Javaid Ahmad Rana, Javaid Ahmad Dar and Satish Sharma were sworn in as ministers.
Omar Abdullah later announced that he was deputing Surinder Choudhary as the deputy chief minister to give proper representation to the Jammu division as he had promised before forming the government.
Abdullah has taken over as the 14th chief minister of J&K having served the previously full six-year term from 2009 to 2015 as the chief minister of the erstwhile J&K state.
Congress party said that it would support the government from outside. Squashing rumours about differences between the NC and the Congress over berth sharing in the council of ministers, G.A.Mir, leader of the J&K Congress legislature party told reporters, “We are very much part of the government”.
He reiterated the party’s ‘principal stand on the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir’ saying that Congress will not take the oath of office until statehood is fully restored.
He emphasised that this position is non-negotiable and reflects the party’s commitment to the rights of the people of J&K.
“We did not contest this election for power, but for restoration of the people’s rights. The question of ministerial posts is irrelevant at this point. Our priority remains the restoration of statehood,” Mir said.
He called on the Prime Minister to honour the mandate given by the people, which Mir believes clearly indicates a desire for the return of statehood.
“The people have spoken and the Prime Minister should respect their will,” he added.
Mir also clarified that despite not taking the oath immediately, Congress remains an integral part of the government.
“We are fully aligned with our INDIA bloc allies and we are committed to working together to achieve our collective goal,” he said.
--IANS
sq/dpb
You may also like
Jharkhand's Healthcare Crisis: Pregnant Woman Gives Birth Outside Hospital, Sparking Outrage
Typhus: Know All About The Silent Killer That's Spreading Fast
Indian Navy is biggest guarantee of peace in Indian Ocean Region, says Rajnath Singh
Abu Dhabi: Free breast cancer screening announced across multiple locations
Denmark Open: Sindhu enters second round; Treesa-Gayatri, Sumeeth-Sikki exit
How is the Sokudo Acute electric scooter? Know what features it has and what is its range
Marks & Spencer shoppers plead for more colours of 'incredibly comfy and warm' funnel neck jumper
Japan sees record foreign tourist arrivals in September
The secret of bumper mileage and strong handling of Maruti cars is revealed!
Eight shocking celebrity moments caught on camera from TV star's 'refusal to clap' to smooch
Dubai school among world's top 150 private institutions in 2024
Inflation crashes! Now BoE has no excuse and MUST slash interest rates to the bone
Drunk Elephant moisturiser that 'helps with redness' and is 'perfect for winter' hits sale with £20 off
Maruti Baleno's Regal Edition is here to make a splash before Diwali, customers will go crazy on seeing it
Russian general threatens invasion of NATO countries and 'restoration' of Soviet Union
Thomas Tuchel net worth, huge England salary and big financial sacrifice
Celebrity chef Shabir Hussain - dubbed the 'King of Curry' -dies aged 56
Your car will start giving 20 to 30 percent more mileage, just do these important settings while driving
Mumbai's Iconic Rhythm House Located At Kala Ghoda Gets New Owner Under Insolvency Auction
Debenhams' 'easy to wear' and 'flattering' autumn dress is perfect with boots