Governor’s Rule Keeps Window for Govt Open

J&K Assembly under suspended animation, not dissolved

JAMMU: Following the collapse of Mehbooba Mufti government in wake of Peoples Democratic Party’s alliance partner Bhartiya Janta Party withdrawing support, Jammu and Kashmir state has come under Governor’s Rule, a proclamation of which was issued by incumbent NN Vohra after approval by President Ram Nath Kovind.
Keeping hopes alive for the restoration of a democratic government in near future, the Governor has kept the Assembly in suspended animation rather than dissolving it. According to constitutional experts, an Assembly is kept under suspended animation when the Governor is sufficiently convinced about the possibility of formation of Government in the near future.
The Assembly, whose six-year term is scheduled to end in March 2021, shall remain under suspended animation till the proclamation of Governor's rule is revoked or varied by a subsequent proclamation, according to a gazette notification.
It is for fourth time that Governor Vohra is holding reigns under the Central rule in last ten years since he joined the Srinagar Raj Bhawan in June 2008. "Immediately after receiving President of India's approval, Governor N N Vohra issued the proclamation to impose Governor's Rule in the state under section 92 of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir today”, a notification read.
Soon after formal proclamation, the Governor held series of meetings with top administrative secretaries as he also reviewed the security situation in a high level meeting.
Vohra had last night recommended imposition of Governor's rule in a report sent to the Rashtrapati Bhavan around the time when President Ram Nath Kovind, who is on an overseas trip, was onboard his special aircraft.
The contents of the Governor's report were immediately sent to Suriname where the president was scheduled to land at 6.30 PM local time.
The president after perusing the report gave his assent and the same was sent to the Union Home Ministry by 6AM Indian time following which the process of promulgating Governor's rule was initiated and a communication sent to Srinagar.
In his proclamation, Vohra said a situation has arisen in which the government of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir. "Now, therefore, in exercise of powers conferred by Section 92 of the state Constitution and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, and with concurrence of President of India, I hereby proclaim that I assume to myself all the functions of government of the state and all powers vested in or exercisable by anybody or authority (other than the powers vested in or exercisable by the high court) in the state," the proclamation read.
A day after the collapse of their alliance government, the leaders of Bhartiya Janta Party made big media presentations to put across their point of view while as the Peoples Democratic Party leaders, including former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti remained out of bounds and inaccessible to the press. Some junior rank PDP leaders took to twitter airing very measured reactions, none against the BJP.
In New Delhi, the BJP chief Amit Shah and general secretary Ram Madhav gave detailed interviews to television channels in which they offered insights into the reasons behind their decision to pull out of the alliance.
The Opposition National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah chaired a meeting of the Party’s Core Group at Party Headquarters ‘Nawa-e-Subha’ in Srinagar to discuss the prevailing situation and recent developments in the State. Addressing reporters at the conclusion of the Core Group Meeting, Omar Abdullah said the party seeking the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly to thwart attempts and plans of horsetrading as this would result in further erosion in the credibility of the democratic process and institutions in the State.
The National Conference Vice President said dialogue internally as well as externally was imperative and the political issue in Kashmir, as well as the ensuing crisis, could not be resolved through operational and military means.
Omar Abdullah said there should be zero-tolerance for Human Rights Violations and the fundamental rights of the people should be upheld at all costs. The National Conference Vice President said the foremost concern should be to provide relief to the people of the State through a reconciliatory rather than confrontational approach and to work towards creating a peaceful, positive atmosphere in the State.
In Lucknow, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the Centre wants terrorism to end and peace to prevail in Kashmir. "Our only aim is that terrorism should end and peace should prevail in Kashmir and our government will work keeping this in mind," he told reporters there.
Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat said the ongoing military operations in the Valley against terrorists would continue as earlier.