Rehan Qayoom Mir/Riyaz Bhat
Srinagar, Oct 10 : Marking his double victory from Ganderbal and Budgam, National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah is all set to wear the “crown of thorns” as party legislators reposed trust in him on Thursday by choosing him as the chairman in the Legislature Party meeting.
As per the news agency—, NC leaders, especially all the newly elected legislators, were seen in a huddle at party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subh complex here. They all attended the NC legislature party meet where they reposed trust in Omar.
Talking to reporters after the LP meeting at Nawa-e-Subh, NC chief Dr Farooq Abdullah said: “We all have unanimously choosen Omar Abdullah as the chairman of LP. He will be our leader. After meeting with the alliance, we will stake claim on government formation.” Dr Farooq on Wednesday had told reporters that for the upcoming Chief Minister of J&K, “it would be a crown of thorns given the tough road ahead.”
Confirming that Omar was the NC’s CM candidate, senior NC leader and MLA Khanyar, Ali Muhammad Sagar said that they were directed by the party leadership to reach out to people in all constituencies where NC leaders emerged victorious. “Omar sahab is our CM candidate,” Sagar said in reply to a query.
Later, speaking to the media men, Omar said that they are in talks with Congress for their support and soon he will visit Raj Bhawan to meet the LG Manoj Sinha to stake claim for government formation.
He also said four independent candidates have extended support to NC. With four independent supporting the NC, its number has gone up to 46, while Congress have six members,
Meanwhile, Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra, who was camping in New Delhi for the past two days, has reached Srinagar. “Congress Legislature Party will meet tomorrow (Friday). We will give a letter of support to NC so that the claim for the government formation is staked out shortly,” a senior Congress leader said.
While NC swept Valley by bagging 42 seats, Congress witnessed its worst ever downfall as it settled for just six seats. PDP also won just three seats. However, BJP retained its fort by bagging 29 seats
