Tue Oct 08 10:11:22 UTC 2024: ## National Conference-Congress Coalition Set to Form Government in Jammu & Kashmir

**Jammu, October 8:** The National Conference (NC) and Congress alliance is projected to win a landslide victory in the Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections, with the coalition leading in 47 out of 90 seats, according to early trends released by the Election Commission on Tuesday. The BJP is currently leading in 29 seats, while the PDP holds a lead in 4 and independents are ahead in 7.

**Key Highlights:**

* **Omar Abdullah, likely to be the new Chief Minister:** NC leader Omar Abdullah, who contested from both the Budgam and Ganderbal seats, is leading with a comfortable margin in both constituencies. His father and NC President, Farooq Abdullah, has confirmed that Omar will be the new Chief Minister.
* **BJP faces a major setback:** The BJP, which had been hoping to make significant inroads in the region, appears to be facing a resounding defeat. The party’s president in Jammu & Kashmir, Ravinder Raina, is trailing in the Nowshera constituency.
* **PDP suffers a crushing defeat:** The PDP, led by Mehbooba Mufti, is projected to win a mere four seats, marking a significant decline from their previous performance.
* **AAP makes its debut in Jammu & Kashmir:** The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured its first victory in the region, winning the Doda seat.

**Reactions to the Results:**

* **Mehbooba Mufti:** The PDP leader congratulated the NC-Congress coalition and urged the central government to “learn a lesson from the decisive mandate” and allow the government to function. She also stated that her party will play a constructive opposition role.
* **Farooq Abdullah:** The NC president expressed gratitude to the people for their mandate and promised to fulfill their expectations. He emphasized the need for a “people’s rule” and pledged to work towards the release of innocent people imprisoned and to ensure freedom of the press.

**The Election:**

The Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections were held in three phases between September 30 and October 1, 2024. The voting percentage was recorded at 63.45%, slightly lower than the 2014 elections. The results are expected to be declared later today.

**Significance:**

This election marks a significant moment for Jammu & Kashmir, as it is the first time the region has elected its own government since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The outcome of the elections will have a major impact on the future of the region and its political landscape.

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