To include the Jammu region in his government, on Wednesday, Omar Abdullah appointed Surender Choudhary MLA from Nowshera Jammu as his deputy chief minister. The NC leader pointed out the move saying that the aim is to have parity between ‘Jammuites’ in the process to help build bridges across the Line. This appointment has been part of the process of forming a new government as the recent elections were the first to be held after Article 370 was removed in 2019.
Strengthening Regional Representation
Omar Abdullah also in his inauguration speech after being sworn in spoke of his plan to form a government that belonged to both Jammu and Kashmir. I will try to do that we will try to ensure that no one is left behind, Abdullah said while reiterating for stronger unity and balanced regional integration. He said that the intention to select a deputy chief minister from Jammu was to reduce the people of the region saying they will have active representation in the new government.
Adding to that I had said that we will not let the people of Jammu feel that they are deprived of their voices, there is no one representing them in this Government,” Abdullah said. It also sends a signal to the people of Jammu that this government is as much theirs as it is that of the people of Kashmir.
Surender Choudhary’s Political Journey
Appointments of Surender Choudhary have raised eyebrows because he enjoys political links. A splinter politician who once held membership both in PDP as well as the BJP, Choudhary came to the political limelight when he defeated the BJP J&K president Ravinder Raina in the recent assembly elections from Nowshera constituency by a healthy margin of 7829 votes.
However, in the 2014 assembly elections, Choudhary contested on a PDP ticket and was defeated by Ravinder Raina from Nowshera by a margin of more than 10,000 votes. He even changed his political association in mid-2022 and joined the BJP, but later separated within a year only from the party. He started his political career as a minister until in July 2023 had shifted his allegiance to the National Conference (NC). This speaks volumes to his ability to cross political divides and assured notable electoral successes that have benefited the NC-led government.
Oath-Taking Ceremony: New Ministers Sworn In
Alongside Surender Choudhary’s appointment, five ministers also took the oath of office during the ceremony:
- Sakina Masood (Itoo)
- Javed Dar
- Javed Rana
- Surinder Choudhary
- Satish Sharma
While these appointments filled several key positions, Abdullah confirmed that three ministerial posts remain vacant and would be filled gradually in the coming weeks.
The Return of an Elected Government After 2019
This new government is important because it would be the first elected government since Article 370 which was abrogated in August of 2019 was annulled warranting Jammu and Kashmir losing its special state status. Ever since the state of J&K was divided into two union territories- Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, there haven’t been any duly formed central government. The creation of the new assembly has given a new lease of political stability and accountability in the region.
Election Results: NC and Congress Secure Majority
In the recently concluded assembly elections, the National Conference (NC) secured 42 out of 90 seats, while their pre-poll ally, the Congress, won six seats. Together, the alliance holds a majority in the 95-member assembly (including five nominated members to be selected by the Lieutenant Governor).
This electoral triumph has given the establishment of the NC-Congress coalition government with a clear majority which indicates the prospects of the rehabilitation of democracy in the region. The new government under Abdullah also plans to tackle critical political, economic, and social issues with a particular focus on sustainable peace and reconciliation within the region and equality felt in both the regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Unity and Governance
The recent induction of Surender Choudhary as deputy chief minister is a move by Omar Abdullah towards the formation of a stable government that comprises people from all sections of society. The decision has emerged from the government’s attempt to bring regions together and make JK equally active and involved in its functions.
The new government is a perfect chance for Jammu and Kashmir after many years of Political limbo. Taking this context in view, it appears as if the elections have now been finally concluded and that the necessity of having a coalition has decoded the way for the proper attention to be paid towards some of the many burning issues that require to be solved at the regional level and the need to regain the confidence of the public. As the cabinet completes its roster and starts formulating policies, people are waiting anxiously to see how Abdullah’s government will fare and perform as it manifests various or forthcoming tests during its governance period.
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