In News:

Omar Abdullah sworn in as J&K CM; Surinder Kumar Choudhary is Deputy CM

Key Highlights:

• Omar Abdullah’s Political Context:

• This marks Omar Abdullah's second term as Chief Minister, after his tenure in 2009.
• He becomes the first Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir after the region’s special status was revoked and it was reorganized as a Union Territory in 2019.

• Challenges as CM of a Union Territory:

• Omar Abdullah acknowledged the unique challenges of serving as Chief Minister in a Union Territory and expressed hope that J&K’s Union Territory status would be temporary.

• Public Service and Security Measures:

• In his first official instructions, Abdullah asked the Director General of Police (DGP) to avoid creating “green corridors” or traffic halts during his movements. He also requested the minimization of sirens and aggressive security gestures, emphasizing minimal public inconvenience.

• Legal Context:

• Oath of Office: As per Article 164(3) of the Indian Constitution, the Chief Minister and other ministers are sworn in by the Governor or Lieutenant Governor in Union Territories.
• Abdullah is the first CM of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir post the abrogation of Article 370 and the transition of J&K from a state to a Union Territory in 2019.

• Revocation of President's Rule:

• President’s Rule (under Article 356) was revoked following the election results, signaling the restoration of a functioning elected government after direct central governance in the region.