NEW DELHI: President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday morning approved the imposition of Governor’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir with immediate effect. The move comes within 24 hours of the breakdown of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – People’s Democratic Party (PDP) alliance in the state.
On Tuesday evening, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav announced that the party is pulling out of the alliance with Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP.
Later, Mufti and her team of ministers submitted their resignation to Governor NN Vohra.
Following this, Governor Vohra forwarded his report to President Kovind for the imposition of Governor’s rule under Section 92 of the Constitution of J&K.
In all states of India, the state government’s failure results in President’s rule. The process is slightly more nuanced in J&K where not the President’s but Governor’s rule is imposed. Under the provision of Section 92 of the J&K Constitution, Governor’s rule is imposed for six months, but only after the consent of the President of India. The Constitution of India grants special status to J&K among Indian states, and it is the only state in India to have a separate Constitution and regulations specific to it.
The President and first lady Savita Kovind, who are on a three-nation visit, arrived in Suriname on Tuesday night.
Rumours of a rift between PDP and BJP started doing the rounds after the BJP-ruled Centre decided to resume anti-terror operations, after a month-long suspension of a ceasefire in the state during the Holy month of Ramzan. While the Mufti-led PDP wanted Centre to reach out to the separatists and give them more time, the latter argued that the separatists were handed several opportunities but failed.
“It has become untenable for the BJP to continue in the alliance government,” said Ram Madhav while apprising the media about BJP’s decision to pull out of the alliance.
The decision was taken after consulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah, he said.
Citing the assassination of Rising Kashmir’s editor Shujaat Bukhari’s, Madhav said, “Terrorism, violence and radicalisation have risen and fundamental rights of the citizens are under danger in the Valley. Shujaat Bukhari killing is an example.”
The veteran journalist was shot dead in Srinagar by unidentified assailants last week. On the same
On the same day, Army jawan Aurangzeb was abducted and brutually murdered by terrorists. The incidents led to a massive public outcry.
Later Mehbooba said, “I submitted my resignation to the Governor and have told him that we are not looking to explore any other alliance… We had formed the alliance with BJP because we shared a grand vision. It took us many months to form an alliance whose prime focus was reconciliation and dialogue.”
Former state Chief Minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said that his party will not be staking claim to form the government in the state and called for fresh elections soon.
“I have told Governor that since no party has the mandate to form the government, he will have to impose Governor’s rule in the state. We also requested the Governor that Governor’s rule should not remain imposed for a long time period. After all, people have the right to choose their government. Fresh elections should take place and we will accept the mandate of the people,” he said.
Bureau Report
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