Congress Opts Out of J-K Government, Demands Statehood Restoration

The Jammu and Kashmir Congress has decided not to join the new J-K government, citing unmet promises by the Prime Minister to restore statehood. Omar Abdullah has been sworn in as the Chief Minister, leading the first elected government since Article 370's abrogation.

In a decisive move, the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) declared on Wednesday that their party will not be part of the newly formed J-K government. JKPCC Chief Tariq Hameed Karra stated the decision was due to unmet promises by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the restoration of statehood for the region.

During a press briefing, Karra emphasized that the Congress party will persist in advocating for statehood restoration, reiterating that Prime Minister Modi had repeatedly assured the public of this commitment but has yet to deliver on it. Consequently, the Congress is withholding its participation in the new government, focusing instead on this pressing demand.

Amidst the political developments, Omar Abdullah assumed office as the first Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The oath was administered by L-G Manoj Saxena at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar. Abdullah's Cabinet includes members from the National Conference and an independent legislator, witnessed by key leaders from the opposition INDIA Bloc.

(With inputs from agencies.)