Omar Abdullah has finally been sworn in as the first Chief Minister of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. While he was also chief minister in the erstwhile state, however, he has become the first chief minister of Union Territory now. The experience and working conditions as of now are quite different for Omar Abdullah as the UT head compared to his previous tenure when he was enjoy sweeping powers in the state.
His powers are limited and he would be restrained in taking popular decisions as Raj Bhawani would be taking a final call on policy issues preferably pertaining to law and order, land and other matters of significant importance. Omar Abdullah seems in no confrontation mode as of now and he is treading the path towards power centre consciously and carefully.
He has already requested the centre to support him and allow him to work peacefully where the public issues can be addressed diligently. However, he is facing BJP which has 29 seats in opposition and if included the other 5 nominated members the number may rise to 34.
So the journey of Chief Minister would not be as easy as seen from outside. He has not only to deliver on his poll promises but the brewing challenges like retaining Jammu which overwhelmingly went into the kitty of BJP is also a bigger challenge for him. He can’t even deliver soups without the consent of LG.
The unemployment, regional aspirations alongside the opposition is what Omar has to face. However, the responsibility does not only lie on Omar Abdullah, the BJP has also to act as constructive opposition party. After a long hiatus of 10 years Jammu and Kashmir is having an elected government.
Both sides must restrain and focus on pressing issues of people and try to address them instead of resorting to political gimmicks to settle political scores.
