Making a strategic move, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has resigned from the Budgam assembly. The seat has instead decided to retain the Ganderbal constituency, a traditional stronghold of the Abdullah family. The news was confirmed by Pro-tem speaker Mubarak Gul in the assembly in this regard. Therefore, another spot in the family’s political legacy continues to be linked to Abdullah. Confirming the resignation was National Conference (NC) MLA from Poonch Ajaz Jan.
A Strategic Gainer: Retaining Ganderbal
He has opted to stick to Ganderbal, historically crucial for his family. Ganderbal is one of the few seats that have been represented by the Abdullah dynasty since time immemorial. His father, Farooq Abdullah, and grandfather, Sheikh Abdullah, the founder of the National Conference, were earlier elected from this constituency. Omar was a member of Ganderbal between 2009 and 2014, during his first term as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
If Abdullah wins Ganderbal, he will retain not only a family legacy but also the political turf of a constituency that has lifelong historical bonds with his party.
Ganderbal and Budgam win in Assembly Elections.
In the recently concluded assembly elections, Omar Abdullah also contested and won in the two constituencies of Budgam and Ganderbal. In Budgam, he won pretty handsomely with a margin of 18,485 votes when he defeated the PDP candidate.
He demonstrated his strength of support from all regions of Jammu and Kashmir in Budgam. But at the same time, he relieved himself of Budgam. He clung to Ganderbal to re-assert his strong bond with his constituency, which had always been the National Conference stronghold.
Omar Abdullah: People-Centric Governance Gesture
The swearing-in as Chief Minister saw Omar Abdullah drive a message straight away to make governance people-friendly. One of his first instructions was to the police not to create a ‘green corridor’ and not to delay any traffic or stoppage during his movements on the road. This reflects the dimension where he is keen on reducing public inconvenience, bringing him closer to the people, thereby distancing himself from the traditional policies of heavy security arrangements that disturb local life.
Legacy of Omar Abdullah’s Family
Omar Abdullah’s move to retain Ganderbal has highly symbolic value. The constituency was second nature to the National Conference for decades and represented the solid political roots of the Abdullah family. He co-founded the party and was crucial to the state’s politics. Sheikh Abdullah was the “Lion of Kashmir.” His son, Farooq Abdullah, did not lag in this regard and served as Chief Minister for several terms besides representing Ganderbal in the assembly. Therefore, Omar Abdullah winning the seat ensures that the Abdullah family’s influence in Ganderbal stays relatively high.
Conclusion: A Political Calculated Game at Play
Indeed, Omar Abdullah’s resignation from Budgam and retaining Ganderbal is more than a mere political ritual. It is a clever move towards strengthening the National Conference’s grip and continuing with the legacy of his family line. The victory in Budgam and Ganderbal marks him as a feasible leader pan across various regions. But Ganderbal forms an essential part of his political journey. With this decision, the Chief Minister has set the tone for his new term, balancing tradition and a people-focused approach to governance.
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