Omar Abdullah Doesn't Need Congress To Form Government?

Four independent MLAs have extended their support to the National Conference (NC) in Jammu and Kashmir boosting its numbers to 46 in the 90 member house. This gives NC a majority allowing Omar Abdullah’s party to form the government without needing Congress’s backing.

Omar Abdullah unanimously elected as the leader of the NC legislature party is set to become the new Chief Minister. The decision was made during a meeting at the NC headquarters in Srinagar. Omar Abdullah expressed his gratitude for the support and mentioned ongoing talks with Congress for additional backing. 

He emphasized that the new government’s priority would be restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir a promise made by national leaders. Omar Abdullah also reaffirmed NC's commitment to restoring Article 370. This will be Omar Abdullah’s second term as Chief Minister having first held the position in 2009. 

The NC secured 42 seats in the recent elections. With the backing of four independent lawmakers, the National Conference now counts 46 supporters in the 90-member assembly reaching the majority threshold. As a result Omar Abdullah can form the government in Jammu and Kashmir without needing Congress's support.