Kejriwal Offers Governance Advice to Omar Abdullah, Seeks Role for AAP MLA in New J&K Government

At a rally in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal drew comparisons between the governance structures of Delhi and J&K. He pointed out that, like Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir had been reduced to a “half state,” with most powers concentrated in the hands of the Lieutenant Governor. Offering his advice to National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah, he remarked, “If you face any problem in working, ask me, I know how to run Delhi.”

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections recently concluded with the National Conference emerging as the largest party, securing 42 seats in the 90-member assembly, while their alliance partner Congress added six seats to the tally, winning a total of 48 seats, two above the majority mark.The party is now poised to form the next government, with Omar Abdullah expected to take over as the Chief Minister.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) won 3 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) garnered 29 seats, becoming the second-largest party but likely to remain in opposition. The Congress secured 6 seats, and smaller parties like AAP and independent candidates made their mark, with AAP winning 1 seat of Mehraj Malik from Doda.

BJP, despite winning 29 seats, led the vote share with 25.5%, the highest in the region. The NC followed with a 23.4% vote share, while the Congress secured 11.9%.

Kejriwal, whose AAP supporting the National Conference in forming the new government, expressed optimism about his party’s role in the upcoming administration. He emphasised that Mehraj Malik, the newly elected AAP MLA from Doda, should be given a key role in the government. “Since AAP has supported the Omar Abdullah government, I hope that our Mehraj Malik will be given responsibility in Omar Abdullah’s government, so that he can serve the entire Jammu and Kashmir along with Doda,” Kejriwal said.