Srinagar, October 17:
The top and state leadership of India Block and Congress, which is part of the alliance, attended Omar’s swearing-in ceremony. But stayed out of the government. By not making any MLA from Congress a minister in his first cabinet expansion, Omar indicated that he would not succumb to anyone’s pressure.
On the very first day of the new government formed after six years, Congress has lost power. Former president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were present as India Alliance along with the party’s national president Mallikarjun Kharge at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Center. In front of them, Congress could not get even a single ministerial position in Omar’s cabinet.
Congress has won six seats in this assembly election. Five of these seats have come from Kashmir division. There were speculations of including Congress MLA from Dooru and leader of legislative party Ghulam Ahmed Mir in the cabinet in Omar’s cabinet. Balance could have been maintained by including party candidate Iftikar Ahmed, who won from Rajori, in the cabinet as a representative from Jammu division.
According to sources, Congress was staking claim for the post of Deputy Chief Minister along with joining the cabinet. Talks are also going on for a Rajya Sabha MP, on which there was no consensus with Omar. Overall, Congress has not been able to get a taste of power even after joining the alliance.
