New Govt likely by Wednesday: Omar

Srinagar, Oct 12: National Conference (NC) Vice President and Chief Minister-designate Omar Abdullah expressed optimism about the formation of the new government in Jammu and Kashmir stating that the oath-taking ceremony would most likely take place by Wednesday.

Addressing reporters during the Legends Cricket League match at Bakshi Stadium here, Omar also spoke about the J&K’s growing opportunities in sports including the prospect of hosting Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in the future.

The CM-designate explained that ending the President’s rule requires several steps.

“First, the union cabinet must pass a resolution recommending the end of the rule. This note is then sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which forwards the request for final approval by the President of India,” he said.

While the process is usually efficient, Omar mentioned that upcoming holidays could slightly delay the final steps.

“The government formation has nothing to do with technology. We tried to form the government once through a fax machine, but then the fax machine did not work. If you want to make our government through a fax machine, then we are in trouble,” he said, referencing the infamous 2018 incident when a “fax machine malfunction” complicated government formation efforts.

The former chief minister said that there was a procedure in place, and it needed to be followed diligently.

“There’s a formal process. A cabinet note is required to end the President’s rule, which has to be sent to Rashtrapati Bhavan. After that, it goes to the Ministry of Home Affairs for approval. Then there were holidays. Today was Dussehra and tomorrow is Sunday. God willing, if all these procedures are completed by Monday, we will make our preparations on Tuesday, and God willing, we will take the oath on Wednesday,” he said.

Omar, while watching the cricket match held under floodlights at Bakshi Stadium said it was good to watch cricket matches in floodlights in Srinagar.

“We have been waiting for things like these, and it also provides exposure and opportunities to sportspersons here. I hope our children will play matches like these in the coming days," he said.

Speaking on the possibility of Srinagar hosting IPL matches in the future, the CM-designate was enthusiastic but realistic about the challenges.

“We want IPL matches to happen here, but we have to revamp our infrastructure for that. The cricket stadium needs significant upgrades. Once we improve our facilities, we can formally request the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to hold matches here,” he said.

“Infrastructure development is the key. Our cricket stadiums need to be modernised if we want to attract events like the IPL. Once that happens, we can move forward with requesting the BCCI to consider hosting matches here. But bringing international players and organising events on that scale is not easy. We have to work on it step by step,” Omar said.

On Friday, Omar met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and staked a claim to form the government.

He also presented letters of support from the coalition partners Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, and four independent legislators to the LG.