NC-Cong to form govt in J-K, Omar to be CM

The National Conference-Congress alliance is all set to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir, winning 41 seats while leading one on seat.

IMAGE: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah. Photograph: ANI Photo

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah announced that his son Omar Abdullah will be the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

"Omar Abdullah will be the chief minister," the senior Abdullah told reporters when asked who would be the alliance's CM face.

The NC president also said the verdict was a proof that the people of J-K were against the abrogation of Article 370.

"The people have given their verdict and proven that the decisions taken on August 5, 2019 are not acceptable to them," he said. "I am thankful to everyone that the people participated in the polls and did so freely. I am grateful to God for the results."

Omar Abdullah said many attempts were made to destroy his party over the last five years by creating new outfits which have been decimated in this election.

The former chief minister won Ganderbal and Budgam seats, defeating his nearest rivals from PDP by over 10,000 votes and 18,000 votes, respectively.

"There were attempts to destroy the NC over the last five years. So many parties were created here, whose only aim was to destroy the NC. But, God's grace has been on us and those who tried to destroy us, have been decimated in the process," Abdullah told reporters here after receiving his winning certificate from the returning officer for the Budgam seat.

"I am thankful to the voters in Budgam for voting for me, making me successful and giving me an opportunity to serve the people of J-K once again," he said.

Abdullah said the verdict has increased the party's responsibilities.

"It is our duty now to come up to the expectations of the people through our work and that is what our endeavour would be for the next five years," he added.

He also expressed gratitude to PDP president Mehbooba Mufti after she congratulated the NC for the spectacular win.