National Conference chief and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said that people have given their mandate in the Assembly polls and that Omar Abdullah will become the next chief minister of the Union Territory.

“People have given their mandate, they have proven that they don’t accept the decision that was taken on August 5…Omar Abdullah will be the chief minister,” the senior Abdullah told reporters here as Election Commision results indicated National Conference-Congress alliance likely crossing the majority mark in the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.

Omar Abdullah, also a former CM, will be the next chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah said.

Earlier in the day, Farooq Abdullah greeted supporters from his house’s balcony, marking a public display of support. Key candidates in the election include Tara Chand, Muzaffar Baig, Raman Bhalla, Basharat Bukha, Ravinder Raina, and Yousuf Tarigami.

Celebrations broke out as the alliance gained momentum. In Tiruchirappalli, Congress president L Rex handed out Kashmiri apples and burst crackers to celebrate. J&K Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra noted that the alliance partners would soon discuss power-sharing arrangements.

As of 2:45 PM, the Election Commission’s data showed that JKNC won 24 seats and was leading in 17, Congress had secured 3 seats and led in 3 others, while the BJP had won 17 seats and led in 12. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) won 2 seats and led in 2, with independents and smaller parties winning 3 seats and leading in 4.

(ANI)