Thu Oct 10 21:21:47 UTC 2024: ## Omar Abdullah Elected Leader of National Conference, Set to Form Government in Jammu and Kashmir
**Srinagar:** Omar Abdullah was unanimously elected as the leader of the National Conference (NC) Legislature Party on Thursday, paving the way for the party to form the next government in Jammu and Kashmir. The 46-member NC legislative party, including four independent MLAs, met to choose their leader ahead of forming a coalition government with the Congress.
“A meeting of the legislature party was held where everyone unanimously chose Omar Abdullah as its leader,” said NC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah.
Omar Abdullah, who will now meet with the Lieutenant Governor to stake a claim to form the government, expressed gratitude to the NC legislators for their support. “Once the Congress extends its support, I will move to Rajbhawan and meet with the Lieutenant Governor,” he said, adding that the Congress has been given a day to complete the formalities of the alliance.
The NC emerged as the single largest party in the recent Assembly elections, winning 42 seats. Their ally, the Congress, however, won only six seats. With the support of four independent MLAs, the NC now has 46 seats in the 90-member assembly.
The NC has pledged to fight for the restoration of Article 370 and the rights of the people that were revoked in 2019. “Jammu and Kashmir requires a strong and vibrant leadership and I don’t think anyone is better than Omar Abdullah,” said NC spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq.
The party is expected to meet with the Congress on Friday to finalize the details of the coalition government and the role of the Chief Ministerial candidate.
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