Farooq Abdullah says he would recommend Omar for CM's post

Srinagar, Dec 29 (PTI) Omar Abdullah will be the
Chief Minister in a possible National Conference (NC)-Congress
coalition in northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir with
his father and party Patron Farooq Monday clearing his name
and dispelling all confusion over the issue.

After overnights triggered by Farooq's claim to the
post, the NC veteran said this morning "I have thought over
this through the night. Looking at the situation honestly I
think we need a younger man.

"I think time has come when I will recommend to my
own party that we should have a younger man leading them
because work is hard, a lot has to be done."

Emerging from his father's residence, 38-year-old
Omar, told reporters that "a decision has been taken that my
name will be put forward at the Legislature Party meeting of
National Conference for the post of chief minister."

He, however, said this decision was only that of the
NC which would have to be ratified by the new alliance
partners as well.

"Formally, no no talks have been held on formation of
an alliance (with Congress)," he said adding there should be
no no difficulty in talking to Congress and seeking their
support. Informal contacts have already been established, he
added.

He said weather permitting Farooq would travel to
Delhi for talks with the Congress leading striking a deal for
government formation.

The NC has won 28 seats and the Congress 17 and
together they have 45 in a House of 87, one more than the
half-way mark of 44. There are also some independents who
could back the new government.

Sunday after giving indications that Omar would
become chief minister in a coalition government, Farooq threw
a surprise in the night staking his claim for the top post.
However, discussions between him and son overnight appeared to
have resolved the issue.

72-year-old Farooq said he felt it was time that he
should bail the party which had some ground in some areas
where they have been completely wiped out. PTI MIJ

"That shows that the party needs regrouping,
realignment and rethinking. That is what I have been thinking
in the night and I should really devote more time to the party
and the government was to be given to a young man.

"I would recommend to the party that Omar should
considered for the chief minister's post," he said. PTI MIJ
AM