3 Jan :Restoration of peace, giving fillip to development and employment to educated youth will be the top priority of the new Jammu and Kashmir Government, CM-designate Omar Abdullah said.
"Peace, development and employment will be my top priority", Omar, set to take oath on 5th January to lead a National Conference-Congress Government in the border state, told reporters at Srinagar on Saturday.The 38-year-old NC president said he had discussed all modalities of cabinet formation and allotment of portfolios with Congress. The cabinet would have a maximum of 25 ministers, he said.
Omar said he would don the mantle of chief ministership for full six-year term, dismissing media reports about Congress’ "indecision" on the issue.
"I am head of the Congress-NC coalition for six years", he said.Asked about his reported opposition to appointment of "tainted" MLAs as ministers, he said he had talked to Congress high command about it. "Now it is upto the party (Congress) to decide."
About shifting to the official residence of chief minister, Omar said, "I dont want to change my residence. I have a small family (wife and two children) and would like to stay in my house at Gupkar road."
About NC joining the UPA at the Centre, the CM-designate said, "a letter is being sent to speaker of the Lok Sabha and chairman of Rajya Sabha informing them about party’s decision to join the UPA."
A letter to this effect was sent to UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi as well, he added.In the morning, Omar along with wife Payal, visited Chrar-e-Sharief in Budgam district to pay obeisance at the shrine of sufi saint Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani.