Omar Abdullah, a prominent figure from one of Jammu and Kashmir’s most politically influential families, has once again been elected as the Chief Minister. He is the grandson of Sheikh Abdullah and son of Farooq Abdullah, both of whom served as Chief Ministers of the region. Continuing his family’s political legacy, Omar has carved out his own successful career. Elected to the Lok Sabha at the age of 28, he became the youngest MP in India’s history. At 38, he further solidified his position by becoming one of the youngest Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, assuming office in 2008 through a coalition government with Congress.
Personal Background
Born in 1970, Omar Abdullah is the son of Farooq Abdullah and Mollie Abdullah. He completed his early education at Burn Hall School in Srinagar and Lawrence School in Sanawar before pursuing a B.Com degree from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai. Prior to his political career, he worked with ITC Limited and The Oberoi Group until the age of 29. He began an MBA at the University of Strathclyde but discontinued his studies after being elected to the Lok Sabha. Omar married Payal, daughter of retired army officer Ramnath, though the couple later separated.
Omar is widely regarded as an articulate speaker with a strong command of various political issues. His speech during the 2008 Lok Sabha trust vote was widely praised and garnered significant attention online. He has also served as a Coordination Member in the Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) for a brief period.
Political Journey
Omar Abdullah entered politics despite his mother’s reservations, and in 1998, he was elected to the Lok Sabha. He served on the transport and tourism committees and was a member of the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Tourism. After winning a second term, he became the Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and later, Minister of State for External Affairs in 2001. He resigned from his ministerial post to focus on his National Conference (NC) party, eventually becoming party president after his father. Although he lost his Ganderbal seat in the 2002 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, he was re-elected as NC president in 2006. In 2008, NC won a majority of seats, and Omar formed a coalition government with Congress, taking office as the 11th Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir in January 2009.
2024 Elections and Political Comeback
Following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Jammu and Kashmir underwent significant political changes, losing its special status and becoming a union territory. Elections were delayed until 2024, when the region saw its first assembly polls since the change. Omar Abdullah’s National Conference contested the elections in alliance with Congress and won the majority of seats. Omar has now been elected as the new Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
The abrogation of Article 370 also introduced new residency laws, allowing individuals who had lived in Jammu and Kashmir for 15 years to apply for permanent residency and land ownership. While these changes were welcomed by some, they raised concerns about local job opportunities. During his campaign, Omar Abdullah focused on restoring statehood and addressing regional issues. His pledges of free electricity and 12 free LPG cylinders for poor families were well-received, particularly in the Muslim-majority Kashmir Valley, contributing to his electoral success. After losing in the Lok Sabha elections earlier in the year, Omar’s return to power in the state assembly marks a significant political rebound.