New Delhi

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi stated on Wednesday that the recent assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir were a celebration of democracy for the people of the region. He criticized the Congress party for its disappointing performance, noting that they won only six seats. The elections were a festival of democracy, especially for the people of Kashmir. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged as the main opposition party, and we respect the public’s mandate. The Congress party is virtually absent from the elections, Joshi told reporters.

In the assembly polls, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) secured 42 seats, while the Congress, which is part of the INDIA alliance, managed just six. The BJP performed well, winning 29 seats, with the Peoples’ Democratic Party taking three and Independents winning seven.

Joshi also mentioned that the BJP is set to form the government in Haryana for the third consecutive time under PM’s leadership. Meanwhile, at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Saxena administered the oath of office to Omar Abdullah and his council of ministers. Prominent leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, attended the ceremony. Abdullah previously served as Chief Minister from 2009 to 2015.