Omar Abdullah: From Union Minister in Vajpayee govt to two-time J-K CM, NC leader's political journey
Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections 2024 was totally different as it was held after 10 years in a different scenario following the abrogation of Article 370 (Special Status). Omar carried off a major victory proving the power of leadership. NC received a thumping victory by winning 42 seats.
by Edited By: Raju Kumar · India TVNational Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah took oath as the first chief minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir following the victory of his National Conference in the maiden assembly election after the abrogation of Article 370. The chief minister and his ministers were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on Wednesday amid tight security. Abdullah was unanimously elected the leader of the NC Legislature Party on Thursday, setting the stage for his second term as chief minister.
Omar first time became CM in 2009
Omar first time became Jammu and Kashmir chief minister in 2009 under an NC-Congress coalition government in erstwhile full-fledged state.
Union Minister in Vajpayee government
Bharatiya Janata Party-led Nationa Democratic Alliance (NDA) formed a government at the Centre with the support of dozens of parties, including NC. Then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee inducted young Omar into his cabinet and entrusted him key portfolio - External Affairs (MoS) in 1999.
Here's a highlights of his political career
- 1998: Represents Srinagar Lok Sabha Constituency
- 2015: Leader of the Opposition in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly
- 2014: MLA from Beerwah seat
- 2008: MLA from Ganderbal
- 2009: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister
- 2009: Vice President of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference
- 1999: Union Minister in the Vajpayee government
Biggest low in Omar's political career
In the Lok Sabha elections 2024, a jailed Independent candidate - Abdul Rashid Sheikh - defeated Omar Abdullah by over 200,000 votes in the Baramulla constituency, giving a rude shock to the Abdullah family-led National Conference.