Constitutional Crisis Averted, Political Uncertainty Continues In J&K
10 January, Srinagar
After the imposition of Governor’s rule the constitutional crisis have been averted in the Jammu and Kashmir, where political uncertainty still continues though Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its alliance partner Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) have announced that the process of appointing new government will be a smooth process.
The BJP is holding an important meeting later today or tomorrow to decide the future course of action on new coalition government formation with PDP in the state though the final decision will be taken by the party high command, party sources said. Both parties have rejected any differences on the continuation of the alliance in the state, which they said is based on development of all the three regions of the state.
The PDP and BJP formed the coalition government last year despite having differences on several issues, including Article 370 and AFSPA. Interestingly, the BJP is yet to submit a letter of support to Governor in favour of PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, who has been elected leader of the legislature party by her party MLAs immediately after the demise of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. PDP has already submitted the letter in favour of Ms Mehbooba to the Governor on January 7.
However, political observers are trying to see “some politics” in the visit of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and other senior Congress leaders, including leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad to personally express their condolence to PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on the demise of her father and former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.
Azad, who accompanied the mortal remains of PDP patron from New Delhi to Srinagar and remained in the summer capital, however, said no politics should be seen in his or Mrs Gandhis visit to Muftis.
After the state remained without any government for about 24 hours, Governor N N Vohra finally announced the imposition of Governor’s rule in the state after receiving concurrence from the President last night, ending the constitutional uncertainty. This is the sixth time Governor’s rule has been imposed in the state since the Jammu and Kashmir joined union of India in 1947. Sayed breathed his last in the AIIMS, New Delhi, on January 7 morning. Council of ministers also ceased to exist in the state as per the state constitution.
The former Chief Minister and working president of the National Conference (NC) had also questioned about who is ruling the state after there was delay in imposition of Governor’s rule or appointing new Chief Minister in the state.
However, to avert any constitutional crisis, Vohra imposed the Governor’s rule in the state after receiving no response from PDP and BJP who were asked on January 8 to clarify their position on government formation since no party enjoys the magic 44 majority in the Legislative Assembly.