Wed Oct 09 09:02:17 UTC 2024: ## National Conference-Congress Alliance Wins Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Elections, Omar Abdullah Set to Become Chief Minister

**Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir:** The National Conference (NC) and the Congress alliance secured a resounding victory in the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Elections held on Tuesday, ending the BJP’s hold on power in the Union Territory. NC leader Omar Abdullah is set to become the next Chief Minister.

The elections, held in three phases from September 18th to October 1st, saw a voter turnout of 63.45%. The NC-Congress alliance garnered a majority of seats, while the BJP won 29 seats and the Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP secured only 3 seats.

Following the victory, Omar Abdullah expressed his gratitude to the voters and acknowledged the responsibility of uniting the diverse communities within the state. He highlighted the challenge of achieving “balance of representation” in the new government, stating that it would be a government for all, including those who voted for the BJP. However, Abdullah also dispelled any hope of restoring Article 370, calling it a “foolish” notion.

The elections were considered significant as they were the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The BJP had campaigned heavily on the issue, but the results indicate that voters in Jammu & Kashmir opted for a change in leadership.

Several leaders across political parties reacted to the results. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha congratulated the winning alliance, urging everyone to work together for the growth and welfare of Jammu & Kashmir. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin hailed the NC-Congress win as a “stupendous victory,” while BJP National Secretary Tarun Chugh asserted that the people had “abundantly blessed” PM Modi by giving over 1 lakh votes to BJP.

The results have sparked a political debate, with the BJP attributing their performance to their inclusive approach while the NC-Congress alliance sees it as a mandate for change and a return to normalcy in Jammu & Kashmir. The coming months will reveal how the new government navigates the complex political landscape of the Union Territory.

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