Abdullah’s statement came in the wake of his party's dominant performance, wherein the NC won 42 seats, while Congress added six to the coalition's tally. This election marked a pivotal moment for the region, being the first after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which altered the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir by revoking its special status .
As he prepares for the potential role of Chief Minister, Abdullah underscored the coalition's duty to establish a government that fosters a sense of belonging for all residents of Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that the newly formed government has a crucial responsibility to address the needs and expectations of the populace, particularly to ensure that the people of Jammu feel included in governance.
The NC leader also acknowledged the challenges posed by the previous government's inability to maintain democratic processes over the past several years. He remarked, “Our responsibility begins now; voters have done their duty. It is now our duty to work and be worthy of the voters”. Abdullah's remarks reflect a commitment to restoring faith in governance, emphasizing the need to build stronger ties with the central government to effectively address the unique challenges faced by the region.
Political analysts view this election as a bellwether for the future dynamics of Jammu and Kashmir, especially considering the BJP's substantial presence, having won 29 seats. The BJP's performance, alongside that of Abdullah's NC, signals a potentially complex political landscape where alliances and local sentiments will play a significant role in shaping governance.