Will ensure statehood is restored: Mallikarjun Kharge

Srinagar, Oct 16: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday reaffirmed his party's commitment to restoring statehood in Jammu and Kashmir, following Omar Abdullah's swearing-in as the region's chief minister.

Speaking to ANI, Kharge said, "I have come here to congratulate him. We are happy that our alliance partner became the CM and democracy has been established here after a long time...we will ensure that statehood is restored here."

Earlier in the day, National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the first Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with many INDIA alliance leaders, were also present for the swearing-in ceremony.