Srinagar: National Conference leader Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the first Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory. Omar’s swearing in took place at the Shere-Kashmir International Convention Centre near Dal Lake.
The elections in J&K comes after the abrogation of Article 370 that snatched the status of J&K as a state. Along with Omar, five other minister from National Conference also took oath of secrecy.
Congress-NC tussle over cabinet berths
Despite in alliance with NC, No Congress legislator took oath as minister. This is being attributed due to behind the scenes tussle between the two ally. It is alleged that Congress was demanding two berths in the Cabinet, but NC was willing for only one seat, said a report in Aaj Tak online.
Those who took oath with Omar include Satish Sharma, Surendra Choudhary, Sakina Yatto, Javed Dar, Javed Rana. Surendra Choudhary had defeated prominent BJP leader Ravinder Raina in Jammu.
Balancing the cabinet region-wise
The Omar cabinet had tried to balance Kashmir, Jammu as well as Chenab valley regions. NC has made two ministers from the Kashmir region from where the party has got maximum votes. Two ministers have been sworn in from Jammu and one from Chenab.
Four cabinet berths still vacant
Four berths still vacant in Omar Abdullah cabinet. This is been seen as opening the space for NC ally Congress. Arvind Kejriwal led AAP which has one MLA was also eyeing one berth in the Omar cabinet.
Notably, after Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019, the number of ministers, including the Chief Minister should not be more than 10 per cent of strength of the Legislative Assembly.
