National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah was unanimously elected as the Legislature Party Leader (LPL) on Thursday, marking a significant step toward forming the first elected government in a decade in Jammu and Kashmir. During a meeting of newly elected NC legislators in Srinagar, Abdullah’s election as LPL was approved. “I am thankful to party legislators for electing me as their leader,” Omar told reporters following the meeting.
He also revealed that the party has received support from four Independent legislators and is awaiting a letter from their alliance partner, Congress, to formally stake a claim for government formation. “Once I get the letter from Congress, I will meet Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to fix a date for the government formation,” he added.
Senior party leader and MLA Ali Mohammed Sagar confirmed Abdullah’s election as LPL, stating, “Omar has been unanimously elected the Legislature Party Leader. There is no one except Omar Abdullah to take the reins of the government soon… and he will be the next Chief Minister.”
In the recently concluded elections for the 90-member Assembly, the National Conference secured 42 seats, while the INDIA bloc has a total of 49 seats.