Governor’s rule imposed in J&K

The Centre on Friday decided to impose Governor’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir.

Following a hung verdict thrown up by Assembly elections in the State, political parties have so far failed to reach an agreement on government formation.

Though both the BJP and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have been maintaining that they are keen to form a government, talks between the two have not yet yielded any concrete power-sharing formula.

Meanwhile, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah conveyed to Governor NN Vohra that he should be relieved of the post of caretaker Chief Minister.

Following a report from Vohra to President Pranab Mukherjee on the issue, the Home Ministry took a decision to impose Governor’s rule in the State under Section 92 of the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution. This is for the sixth time since 1977 that the State is coming under Governor’s rule.

On Friday, Omar criticised the PDP for delaying government formation despite the NC’s offer of unconditional support. The Congress was also keen to support the PDP to keep the BJP out of power.

The BJP, however, indicated that talks with the PDP will bear fruit very soon.

“Our talks are going on with the two parties (NC and PDP) in Kashmir. We will let you know once there is any development. We are trying to form a BJP government in the State,” BJP president Amit Shah is reported to have said in Hyderabad.

Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the situation is evolving.

“These are logistical issues which have to be taken into account because, pending the evolution of a stable government ... you cannot completely close down governance,” he said.

The new government is required to be constituted before January 19, when the term of the current Assembly expires.

Omar said it has been months since the State had a full-fledged administration and the people can’t wait for PDP chief Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to negotiate his six-year term.

But the PDP blamed Omar for the implementation of Governor’s rule.

“We had time till January 19 to form a government but the situation has been forced on the State by Omar,” PDP chief spokesman Naeem Akhtar said.

“We could have forged an alliance ...We are in touch with different parties as informal channels are open with all parties,” he added.

In a fractured mandated, the PDP won 28 seats in the State while the BJP wrested 25 seats in the 87-member Assembly. The NC got 15 seats and the Congress, 12.