The President's rule in Jammu and Kashmir has been lifted, paving the way for the formation of a new government in the Union Territory, according to an official announcement. This development follows a meeting between National Conference leader Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, during which Abdullah staked a claim to form the new government after the recently concluded Assembly elections.

An official notification, signed by President Droupadi Murmu, revoked the previous order issued on October 31, 2019, under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. The notification highlighted that the revocation would take effect immediately before the appointment of the chief minister, in accordance with Section 54 of the Act.

President's rule was first imposed in the region after the collapse of the PDP-BJP alliance on June 19, 2018. In 2019, the Indian government abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution, transforming the former state into a Union Territory.

Omar Abdullah was recently elected as the leader of the National Conference legislative party, setting the stage for his return as chief minister. He previously held office from 2009 to 2014 during the NC-Congress coalition government.

Following the elections, National Conference President Farooq Abdullah stated that the new government's primary objective would be to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the need to unite the region and eliminate the divisive atmosphere that emerged during the election campaign. "Statehood must be restored so the state can function properly, and we can get on with our duties," he said.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the first in a decade, saw the National Conference winning 42 seats, while the Congress secured six—five in Kashmir and one in Jammu. The two parties formed a pre-poll alliance, supported by four independent MLA-elects and one from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the second-largest party with 29 seats.

The elections, conducted in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, marked a significant moment as they were the first since the abrogation of Article 370.