Statehood for J&K a priority: Kharge

Srinagar, Oct 16: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge Wednesday said that they will ensure the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir soon.

Addressing reporters in Srinagar after the swearing-in ceremony, Kharge said, "We are happy that our alliance partner has become the Chief Minister, and democracy has been established here after a long time. We will ensure that statehood is restored."

Kharge also congratulated Omar Abdullah on his appointment as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, news agency NVI reported.

Five other ministers were also sworn in alongside the J&K Chief Minister.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha administered the oath to Abdullah and his council of ministers, with prominent political figures in attendance, including Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

All National Conference leaders were present to show their support for Abdullah as he took on his new responsibility.

The recent J&K Assembly elections were held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, resulting in the NC and Congress securing a combined total of 48 seats, while the BJP won 29 and the PDP claimed three. Additionally, AAP’s Mehraj Malik achieved a historic win, marking the party's first electoral success in Jammu and Kashmir.