By NAK,
New Delhi/Srinagar : All India Congress Committee has formally announced its alliance with National Conference for forming new coalition government in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and has nominated Omar Abdullah to take over as the next chief minister.
Though speculations of the possible Congress-NC alliance were making rounds from last two days, the final decision was taken after a meeting between top Congress and NC leaders in New Delhi.
Omar Abdullah, who flew to New Delhi last evening, met AICC chief Sonia Gandhi, who reportedly gave a final node to the new government formation in the state.
Earlier, the Congress’ Core Committee met at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s residence to discuss formation of Government in Jammu and Kashmir where the Assembly election has returned a fractured verdict.
Sources said that before meeting Omar, Sonia Gandhi met state Congress leaders including Saifuddin Soz and Ghulam Nabi Azad to discuss the best options for her party in the state.
However, the power sharing formula, if any, was not yet disclosed by the either party.
Sources said, that the two sides have decided to sit together and formulate a Common Minimum Programme, which will guide the coalition government.
Soon after meeting Sonia Gandi, the confident Omar told media persons that he has been asked to lead the coalition government in the state.
“It has been decided that I will lead the coalition government in the state of which Congress will be a part.” Omar, who will be the state’s youngest chief minister, said, “Other nitty gritty of the alliance will be worked out in due course of time.”
Congress, he said, would be part of the government and there was not question of outside support.
“The Congress President has accepted the proposal. The government would be headed by Omar Abdullah,” said AICC General Secretary and J and K in-charge of the party, Prithiviraj Chavan.
Chouhan further said that a committee would be formed by both the parties to go into the nitty gritties of the alliance including the power sharing formula.
Pradesh Congress Committee president and union minister Saif-ud-Din Soz said it was a great opportunity for Omar to provide good governance to the state.