Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha on Monday invited Jammu and Kashmir chief minister-designate Omar Abdullah to form and lead the government on Wednesday, paving the way for the first civilian dispensation in the Union Territory in six years.
The development came a day after President Droupadi Murmu revoked central rule in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Was pleased to receive the Principal Secretary to LG Manoj Sinha ji. He handed over a letter from the @OfficeOfLGJandK inviting me to form the next government in J&K,” National Conference leader Omar wrote on X, sharing the letter.
The letter by Sinha said he was pleased to invite Omar to “form and lead the government of Jammu and Kashmir”.
“As separately settled, I shall administer oath of office and secrecy to you and to those recommended by you for induction as members of your council of ministers at SKICC, Srinagar, on October 16, 2024, at 11.30am,” it reads.
The LG’s letter saidOmar enjoyed the support of the Congress, CPM,Aam Aadmi Party and fiveIndependent legislators.
On Sunday, the President’s notification put an end to the second longest spell of central rule, lasting six years and four months between June 20, 2018, and October 13, 2024, in Jammu and Kashmir.
The erstwhile state was placed under governor’s rule in 2018 after the BJP withdrew support to the Mehbooba Mufti-led government. The special status enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir under the now-scrapped Article 370 required the imposition of six months’ governor’s rule, followed by President’s rule.
Jammu and Kashmir is no stranger to central rule. It has been imposed eight times in the last four decades alone. The longest stint lasted for six years and nine months between January 19, 1990, and October 19, 1996, marked by the worst phase of militancy here.
The decision to revoke President’s rule came two days after Omar met lieutenant governor Sinha on Friday evening and handed him support letters. Officials here said Sinha immediately recommended to the central government that President’s rule be lifted.
