Why Omar Abdullah chose Surinder Kumar Choudhary as his deputy in Jammu and Kashmir

Omar Abdullah took the oath of office along with five ministers – Sakina Masood (Itoo), Javed Dar, Javed Rana, Surinder Choudhary and Satish Sharma.

Published on: Oct 16, 2024, 19:39:00 IST

By HT News Desk | Edited by Vaibhav Tiwari

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday revealed why he chose Surinder Kumar Choudhary – who joined the National Conference after quitting the BJP last year – as the deputy chief minister of the union territory.

Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha with chief minister Omar Abdullah and other members of his cabinet at the swearing-in ceremony of the new J&K government in Srinagar on Wednesday. (Waseem Andrabi/HT)

Omar Abdullah took the oath of office today along with five ministers – Sakina Masood (Itoo), Javed Dar, Javed Rana, Surinder Choudhary and Satish Sharma.

He said he didn't want the people of Jammu to feel that they didn't have a voice.

"I had said that we will not allow Jammu to feel that they do not have a voice or representatives in this government," he said.

"I have chosen a deputy chief minister from Jammu so that the people of Jammu feel that this government is as much theirs as it is of the rest," he added.

Also read: 'No stick waving...': Omar Abdullah's first order to Jammu and Kashmir police

Surinder Kumar Choudhary defeated BJP's Ravinder Raina in Nowshera by 7819 seats.

He is the only National Conference MLA in Hindu-dominated areas. He had quit the BJP last year.

Also read: ‘Felt incomplete’: Rahul Gandhi after Omar Abdullah sworn in as Jammu & Kashmir CM

Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah assumed the charge of the chief minister today. He visited the Civil Secretariat.

"I'm back," Abdullah posted on X with photographs of him in his office chair.

Abdullah, who had also served as chief minister between 2009 and 2014 when Jammu and Kashmir was a full-fledged state, held an introductory meeting with the administrative secretaries to set the tone for his new administration.

The meeting was attended by Surinder Kumar Choudhary, along with ministers Sakeena Masood Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar, and Satish Sharma.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, and all administrative Secretaries of departments were also present in the meeting.

The National Conference won 42 seats. Its alliance partner, Congress, won 6 seats.

Abdullah formed a government in the 90-member assembly with support from the Congress and independent MLAs.

With inputs from PTI, ANI

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.