Omar Abdullah Sworn In as J&K Chief Minister

Omar Abdullah, the National Conference leader, was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on October 16, marking his return to the position after a decade. This follows the first assembly elections in the Union Territory since the abrogation of Article 370, where his party, in alliance with the Congress, won a majority with 42 out of 90 seats. Despite their alliance, the Congress opted out of joining the government, citing unresolved issues such as the restoration of statehood. The oath-taking ceremony, held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar, was attended by various prominent leaders, including members of the INDIA bloc. This development comes after the lifting of President's Rule in the region, and Abdullah expressed hope that the Union Territory status would be temporary. The new government also includes support from AAP, CPI(M), and independent MLAs, forming a coalition with 55 legislators.