Srinagar- On Wednesday, Omar Abdullah took the oath of office at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, marking a new political chapter for the region following its transition into a Union Territory. Following the ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Abdullah on his new position via a post on X.

Abdullah expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister's message, stating, "Thank you very much @narendramodi Sb for your message of congratulations. My colleagues and I look forward to working together with you to give the people of J-K an effective, efficient and honest administration."

Prime Minister Modi had earlier wished Abdullah success in his new role, assuring him of the central government's full support. "Congratulations to Omar Abdullah on taking oath as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Wishing him the very best in his efforts to serve the people. The Centre will work closely with him and his team for J-K's progress," PM Modi said in his message.

Abdullah's National Conference (NC) party, in alliance with the Congress, secured a majority in the recent elections, forming a coalition government with support from the INDIA bloc and four independent members. This marks Abdullah's second term as Chief Minister, having previously served from 2009 to 2015.

The swearing-in ceremony saw the attendance of prominent leaders from various political parties, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, CPI(M)'s Prakash Karat, NCP's Supriya Sule, and DMK's Kanimozhi.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Saxena swore in Abdullah and his ministerial council. The new government has pledged to focus on bringing stability and development to Jammu and Kashmir as it navigates its future within the Union framework.