Thu Oct 17 09:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Omar Abdullah Takes Oath as J&K Chief Minister, Emphasizes Public Convenience and Minimalist Approach
**Srinagar, October 16:** Omar Abdullah, leader of the National Conference, was sworn in as the first Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. In his first directive as CM, Abdullah instructed the Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure no public inconvenience is caused due to his motorcade.
In a social media post, Abdullah stated, “I have spoken to the DG @JmuKmrPolice that there is to be no “green corridor” or traffic stoppage when I move anywhere by road. I have instructed him to minimise public inconvenience & the use of sirens is to be minimal. The use of any stick waving or aggressive gestures is to be…”
He further emphasized the need for a people-centric approach, stating, “I am also asking my cabinet colleagues to follow the same example. Our conduct in everything should be people-friendly. We are here to serve the people, not to inconvenience them.”
The swearing-in ceremony was held by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, marking Abdullah’s second stint as CM. He is the third generation of the Abdullah family to hold this position, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Sheikh Abdullah, and father, Farooq Abdullah.
Alongside Abdullah, five other ministers took oath: Sakina Masood (Itu), Javed Dar, Javed Rana, Surinder Choudhary, and Satish Sharma.
This marks the first elected government in the UT since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The National Conference secured 42 seats out of 90 in the recent Assembly elections, while their alliance partner, the Congress, won 6 seats. The AAP also managed to win 1 seat.
The newly formed government is expected to focus on addressing the needs of the people and rebuilding the state. Abdullah’s emphasis on public convenience and a minimalist approach signals a shift towards a more people-centric governance model.
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