Srinagar: After six long years under President's rule, Jammu and Kashmir is on the brink of forming a new government following the recently concluded assembly elections. The lifting of President's rule has now paved the way for the creation of a new administration in the Union Territory. The National Conference (NC) alliance has emerged victorious, securing a majority in the 90-member assembly. NC won 49 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 29 seats.
The last assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir were held in 2014, resulting in a coalition government between the BJP and the People's Democratic Party (PDP). However, this alliance came to an abrupt end in 2018 when the BJP withdrew its support, forcing then-Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to resign. This political upheaval led to the imposition of President's rule, which remained in effect until now.
A New Political Landscape
With the National Conference emerging as the largest party in the recent elections, the party has started gaining support from various independent MLAs. Among them is Satish Sharma, an independent leader who won from the Chhamb constituency in Jammu, and has now joined the NC alliance.
Additionally, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has extended its support to the National Conference. Addressing a rally in Doda, AAP's national convener Arvind Kejriwal confirmed that his party would offer full backing to the NC in forming the new government. This has further solidified the NC’s position as the leading party to take charge of the region.
A Look Back: The Imposition of President’s Rule
The fall of the Mehbooba Mufti-led government occurred on November 21, 2018, after the BJP pulled out of its alliance with the PDP. Following the collapse of the government, Governor’s rule was initially imposed for six months, as per Section 92 of the state constitution. Once the Governor's rule term expired, President’s rule was enacted by the central government. This state of President's rule remained in place for an extended period of six years, bringing significant changes to Jammu and Kashmir’s governance structure.
President's rule meant the suspension of several provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, which directly impacted the functioning of the legislative assembly. As the political situation evolved, it became increasingly necessary to lift this rule to restore democratic processes and allow the formation of a new government.
Significance of Lifting President’s Rule
The removal of President’s rule is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it restores the functioning of the assembly, which had been in limbo during this period. Under President's rule, the central government held control over many aspects of governance, effectively sidelining local leadership. To allow the newly elected government to take charge, these suspended provisions needed to be restored.
Now that President's rule has been lifted as of Sunday, October 13, the path for government formation in Jammu and Kashmir is clear. The region has finally reached a stage where it can return to its democratic processes. Omar Abdullah, the National Conference leader, has already met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to stake his party’s claim to form the new government.
The Road Ahead for Jammu and Kashmir
This political development marks a significant moment for Jammu and Kashmir, as the lifting of President’s rule symbolizes a return to normalcy and democratic governance. The National Conference, in alliance with Congress, is now poised to lead the region after years of political uncertainty.
The swearing-in ceremony for the new government is scheduled for Wednesday, and with the NC securing majority support, the region is set to embark on a new chapter of governance. This change is expected to bring a sense of stability and direction to a region that has experienced considerable political turbulence in recent years.
As Jammu and Kashmir transitions out of President’s rule, all eyes are on the new government and the policies it will implement to address the unique challenges faced by the Union Territory.
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