October 16, 2024: In a historic moment for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah was sworn in as its first Chief Minister on October 16. The oath-taking ceremony took place at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) and was marked by heightened security measures in light of the region's complex socio-political climate.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha administered the oath of office to Abdullah at 11:30 AM. The ceremony also saw the swearing-in of Abdullah's council of ministers, signaling the formation of a new government in the recently restructured Union Territory.

The event attracted significant attention, with key leaders from the INDIA bloc in attendance. Among them were Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi, and party president Mallikarjun Kharge. Other prominent figures included Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, D Raja from the CPI, Prakash Karat from the CPI (M), Sanjay Singh of the Aam Aadmi Party, Kanimozhi from the DMK, and Supriya Sule of the NCP.

Omar Abdullah's return to the political forefront comes after years of fluctuating political dynamics in the region, and his leadership is seen as pivotal in navigating the challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir. As he embarks on this new chapter, many look to Abdullah to foster stability and address the pressing issues in the Union Territory.