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Who is Omar Abdullah?
Omar Abdullah is an Indian politician from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) who served as the Chief Minister of the state from January 5, 2009 to January 8, 2015.
In the recently concluded 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Omar Abdullah conceded defeat from jailed independent candidate Er Rashid in the Baramulla constituency in North Kashmir.
Abdullah is the vice-president of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and has served as the 11th Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir from 2009 to 2015. Born on March 10, 1970, in Rochford, Essex, England, Abdullah comes from a political family; his father, Farooq Abdullah, and grandfather, Sheikh Abdullah, were both influential leaders in the region. Known for his progressive stance on various issues, Omar Abdullah has been a significant figure in the political landscape of J&K.
Education
Omar Abdullah completed his early education at the Burn Hall School in Srinagar and then attended the Lawrence School, Sanawar in Himachal Pradesh. He later pursued higher education at Sydenham College in Mumbai, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Commerce.
Political Journey
Omar Abdullah's political career began in 1998 when he was elected to the 12th Lok Sabha, representing the Srinagar constituency. As a member of the National Conference, showcasing his leadership abilities and commitment to the development of J&K, he quickly rose through the ranks. In 2001, he was appointed as the Minister of State for External Affairs in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, making him the youngest minister to hold the position at the time.
In 2002, Abdullah was elected as the president of the JKNC, succeeding his father, Farooq Abdullah. In the 2008 J&K Legislative Assembly elections, the National Conference emerged as the single largest party, and Omar Abdullah was appointed the Chief Minister of J&K in 2009. His tenure as Chief Minister was marked by efforts to improve infrastructure, education, and healthcare in the region, as well as addressing security concerns and fostering dialogue for peace and development.
After completing his term as Chief Minister in 2015, Abdullah continued to play an active role in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. He has been vocal about the political autonomy of the region and has consistently advocated for the restoration of J&K's special status, which was abrogated in August 2019.