Srinagar, Oct 12: National Conference (NC) legislative party leader and party’s vice president Omar Abdullah and Chief Ministerial Candidate on Saturday that the oath ceremony for the NC-Congress coalition government is expected to take place on Wednesday.
“The process is taking longer due to the presidential rule that has been in effect in Jammu and Kashmir for the past six years,” he said.
Speaking to reporters outside Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, after watching Legends League Cricket match, Omar said that the formation of the government is not delayed to technology or anything.
“We once tried to form a government via fax, and that didn’t work. We are following the proper procedure to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
He explained that to end the presidential rule, a cabinet decision must be followed by approvals from Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Home Ministry. “There were some holidays in between, but it will be completed by Monday. We will then prepare for the oath ceremony, likely on Wednesday,” he added.
Omar Abdullah also praised the hosting of day-night cricket matches under floodlights in Srinagar, describing it as a positive sign. “The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with fans celebrating every shot and wicket. Although the turnout was smaller than on previous nights, the enthusiasm was palpable,” he said.
He highlighted the benefits of such exposure for local cricketers, adding, “We hope to see more such matches here in the future.” When asked about his interest in sports, Omar mentioned his admiration for past cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, Irfan Pathan, Yousuf Pathan, and Shikhar Dhawan, and current players such as Virat Kohli.
Regarding the possibility of hosting major cricket tournaments like the IPL in Kashmir, Omar emphasized the need to improve infrastructure. “It was challenging for organizers to host matches in Srinagar. We need to upgrade our cricket stadiums before requesting the BCCI to host matches in the Valley,” he noted.
On Friday, Omar Abdullah formally staked a claim to form the new government in Jammu and Kashmir after meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. He presented letters of support from the Congress party and several independent members, signaling the formation of the first elected government in the Union Territory since its reorganization in 2019.
The Lieutenant Governor’s office confirmed that Omar Abdullah met with LG Sinha at Raj Bhawan, where he submitted a letter from NC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah stating that Omar had been elected as the leader of the legislature party. Letters of support from the Indian National Congress (INC), CPI(M), AAP, and independent members were also handed over to the LG.
