Farooq Abdullah, the chief of the National Conference and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, announced on Tuesday that his son, Omar Abdullah, is poised to become the next Chief Minister following the Assembly elections. He stated that the people have clearly expressed their mandate through their votes.
“The people have given their mandate; they have proven that they don’t accept the decision taken on August 5… Omar Abdullah will be the Chief Minister,” Farooq Abdullah told reporters, as results from the Election Commission suggested that the National Conference-Congress alliance is likely to surpass the majority mark in the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.
Farooq Abdullah emphasized the need to address pressing issues such as unemployment and inflation, expressing gratitude to voters for their participation in the electoral process. Earlier, he appeared on his balcony to greet supporters in a show of strength.
The election results are pivotal for several former ministers, including Tara Chand, Muzaffar Baig, and Raman Bhalla, among others. In a celebratory mood, Trichy Congress president L. Rex distributed Kashmiri apples in Tiruchirappali and burst firecrackers in honor of the election trends, sharing apples with bus passengers.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Congress Chief Tariq Hameed Karra celebrated at the party office in Srinagar, anticipating that final results would lead to discussions on power-sharing arrangements between alliance partners.
As of 2:45 PM, the latest Election Commission data showed that the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has won 24 seats and is leading in 17, while Congress has secured 3 seats and is leading in another 3. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won 17 seats and is leading in 12. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Mehbooba Mufti, has won 2 seats and is leading in 2 additional seats. Independents and smaller parties have won 3 seats and are leading in 4.
