SRINAGAR: In view of political uncertainty in Jammu and Kashmir after the elections and Omar Abdullah’s refusal to continue as caretaker Chief Minister, Governor’s rule was on Friday imposed in the State after approval from the President.
Governor N N Vohra had submitted a report to the Home Ministry on Thursday informing it about the political impasse in the State, where none of the parties have got or are close to majority in the 87-member J&K Assembly, elections for which were held in November and December.
In his report Vohra had recommended imposition of Governor’s rule in the State as the PDP and BJP, the two largest parties in the State with 28 and 25 seats respectively, have not made any headway in government formation talks despite being engaged in back channel dialogue for 17 days and refusal of Abdullah to continue as caretaker CM.
The President gave his consent on Thursday for the imposition of Governor’s rule in the State. After receiving concurrence from the President under section 92(5) of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, Vohra on Friday issued a Proclamation under Section 92(1) of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir to impose Governor’s rule. “Subsequent to the conduct of elections to the State Assembly in November-December 2014, and declaration of results on December 23, outgoing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had tendered his resignation on December 24. While accepting his resignation, Omar Abdullah had been requested to continue in office till alternative arrangements are made,” said an official spokesperson, adding that in the past two weeks, the Governor held consultations with the PDP and BJP leadership. “However, no party or group of parties has so far staked claim to form the next government,” said the spokesperson.
The government was required to be constituted before January 19 when the term of the previous Assembly expires.
Blame game on as parties slug it out
The NC and PDP were on Friday locked in a blame game over Governor’s rule in J&K. NC’s Omar Abdullah accused PDP’s Mufti Mohammed Sayeed of continuing the deadlock in a bid to get a full six-year term as chief minister.