In a striking show of solidarity, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal has extended his full support to Omar Abdullah, the chief minister-designate of Jammu and Kashmir, amid the unfolding political landscape in the Union Territory. Speaking at a rally in Doda, Kejriwal highlighted the challenges of governing a “half-state” like Jammu and Kashmir, where significant powers remain vested in the Lieutenant Governor, and offered to assist Abdullah in navigating administrative hurdles.
“Like Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir has also been made a half-state, with most powers resting with the Lieutenant Governor,” Kejriwal remarked, referencing his own experience managing Delhi under similar constraints. “If you face any problem in working, ask me. I know how to run Delhi,” the former Delhi chief minister said, emphasizing his readiness to share governance strategies that could help the incoming administration in J&K thrive despite these limitations.
Kejriwal’s rally in Doda followed the momentous victory of AAP candidate Mehraj Malik, marking the party’s first-ever legislative win in the region. Malik’s triumph against BJP’s Gajay Singh Rana by over 4,500 votes has sent ripples through Jammu’s political circles. The AAP leader expressed hope that Malik would play a significant role in the Abdullah-led coalition government, highlighting the importance of collaboration between AAP and the National Conference to address the region’s developmental needs.
“Since AAP has supported the Omar Abdullah government, I hope that Mehraj Malik will be given a responsibility in the government, so he can serve not only Doda but the entire Jammu and Kashmir,” Kejriwal added during the rally. Malik’s campaign focused on grassroots issues, including unemployment and infrastructure, resonating deeply with the electorate, leading to his unexpected victory.
The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir has been evolving rapidly, with the National Conference, led by Omar Abdullah, emerging as a key player in forming the government under the I.N.D.I.Alliance umbrella. Kejriwal’s presence at the rally signals AAP’s intention to gain a foothold in Jammu and Kashmir politics, especially by aligning with regional leaders and showcasing itself as a viable alternative to mainstream parties like the BJP and Congress.
While AAP’s overall impact in the J&K elections was limited, with a modest share of the vote, Malik’s victory in Doda is being viewed as a symbolic breakthrough. This win provides Kejriwal and his party with an opportunity to promote their governance model, which emphasises anti-corruption measures, enhanced public services, and local empowerment.
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With Omar Abdullah set to lead the coalition government, all eyes are on how these alliances will shape the political and administrative trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir. Kejriwal’s overtures indicate not only a strategic partnership but also a potential model for collaborative governance that could offer new hope for the region, which has experienced political turbulence in recent years