The National Conference (NC) today chose its 38-year-old president Omar Abdullah to be the next Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Omar left for Delhi late afternoon to discuss the formation of a coalition government with the Congress. The two parties have been in touch since yesterday, and NC patron and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah flew to Delhi before Omar to carry forward talks.

Celebrations began at Omar’s Gupkar home immediately after the senior Abdullah withdrew his earlier claim to the Chief Minister’s post in favour of his son. Newly-elected NC lawmakers elected Omar leader of the legislative party soon after.

In his softly-lit personal office, Omar met his MLAs. He hugged Javaid Dar tightly, announcing proudly to others, “He defeated two former cabinet ministers”. Omar’s uncle Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, who lost the election at Gulmarg, dropped in with sweets and a hug for his nephew. “Congrats and all the best to you,” Kamal said.

Omar said an alliance with the Congress would not dilute the NC’s political ideology. “The political ideology will remain the same. We are entitled to our opinion and will work to take the agenda of the party forward in a coalition government too,” he told The Indian Express.

He said he was happy to be nominated his party’s chief ministerial candidate. “But at the same time I am also worried. The road ahead is very difficult.”

Outside, hundreds of party workers were thronging the gates of the heavily-guarded house. As Omar emerged in a traditional pheran, a surge of men and women fell over each other to hug, kiss and garland him.

... contd.