Abdul Rahim Rather Elected Speaker of J&K UT’s First Assembly

Srinagar, Nov 4: Veteran National Conference (NC) leader and seasoned politician Abdul Rahim Rather was elected Speaker of the first Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. Rather, a prominent figure in J&K politics and a seven-time Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), was elected unopposed.

The election took place shortly after the Assembly convened at 10:30 a.m., with Javaid Ahmad Dar, the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, moving a motion to nominate Rather for the role. The motion was seconded by NC MLA Arjun Singh Raju, representing Ramban.

Opposition parties chose not to contest the post, allowing pro-tem Speaker Mubarak Gul to formally declare Rather as Speaker. Following his appointment, Leader of the House Omar Abdullah and Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma accompanied Rather to the Speaker’s chair, symbolizing a moment of unity in the Assembly.

Rather, 78, brings decades of political experience, having served in the cabinets of Sheikh Abdullah, Farooq Abdullah, and Omar Abdullah. His election as Speaker marks a significant milestone for J&K’s newly formed Union Territory government.