Omar Abdullah Turns 55; A Look At J&K's Political Stalwart

Omar Abdullah, born on March 10, 1970, in Rochford, Essex, United Kingdom, marks his 55th birthday today, March 10, 2025. A towering figure in Indian politics, he currently serves as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, a role he reclaimed on October 16, 2024, after the region’s first assembly elections since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Leading the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), Omar secured 42 seats in the 90-member assembly, defeating the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which won 29 seats, in a historic mandate reflecting his enduring influence.

Born into a political dynasty, Omar is the grandson of JKNC founder Sheikh Abdullah, who shaped Kashmir’s post-1947 identity, and son of Farooq Abdullah, a three-time Chief Minister. Educated at Burn Hall School in Srinagar, Lawrence School in Sanawar, and Sydenham College in Mumbai (B.Com), Omar briefly worked with ITC Limited and The Oberoi Group before entering politics. At 28, he debuted in the 12th Lok Sabha in 1998 as Srinagar’s MP, becoming its youngest member. He served as Union Minister of State for External Affairs (2001-2002) under the NDA, resigning to lead the JKNC as president from 2002 to 2009.

Omar’s first stint as Chief Minister (2009-2015) saw Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP grow from ₹63,000 crore to ₹1.2 lakh crore, with focus on tourism and infrastructure, though he faced criticism over the 2010 unrest and 2014 floods. Married to Payal Nath (separated since 2011), with sons Zahir and Zamir, Omar’s 2024 victory—winning Budgam and Ganderbal constituencies—underscores his resilience in navigating the region’s complex socio-political landscape post-Article 370.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X today to extend his greetings. His post read "Birthday wishes to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah Ji. Praying for his long and healthy life."