J&K Set for New Government Formation as President's Rule Ends

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4 min read Last Updated : Oct 14 2024 | 12:07 AM IST

In a significant move that marks a new beginning in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, the President’s rule has been officially terminated as of Sunday. This decisive action clears the path for the establishment of a freshly elected government within the bounds of this union territory, a development many have eagerly anticipated.

The official declaration revoking President’s rule was disseminated through a gazette notification, an initiative spearheaded by the Union Home Ministry. This notable decision is poised to initiate a new chapter in Jammu and Kashmir’s governance and political framework.

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The basis for this landmark decision is rooted in the legal frameworks provided by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019, specifically Section 73, in conjunction with Articles 239 and 239A of the Indian Constitution. The revocation, as formalized through a directive from President Droupadi Murmu, signifies a pivotal shift ahead of the chief minister’s appointment under Section 54 of the very same act.

The backdrop of this development is the recent triumph of the National Conference-Congress alliance in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. This victory has paved the way for the coalition to form the next government in the region.

Omar Abdullah, serving as the vice president of the National Conference, is slated to take up the mantle of chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir. His election as the leader of the alliance marks a significant milestone in the political annals of the region.

It’s noteworthy to mention that central rule was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir on October 31, 2019, in the wake of its bifurcation into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir itself, and Ladakh. This pivotal division and the imposition of central rule followed the legislative actions of August 5, 2019, when the Indian Parliament passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. Concurrently, Article 370 of the Constitution, which bestowed special status upon the erstwhile state, was abrogated.

Prior to these transformations, central rule had already been in effect since June 2017 following Mehbooba Mufti’s resignation as chief minister and the BJP’s withdrawal from the PDP-led government. Initially, the state experienced Governor’s rule for six months, which was thereafter extended as President’s rule, with multiple extensions sanctioned by Parliament.

It is imperative to understand that Article 356 of the Constitution, which governs the imposition of President’s rule in states, does not apply to union territories; a distinction that gained relevance when Jammu and Kashmir transitioned into a union territory on October 31, 2019, thereby ending President’s rule in the erstwhile state configuration. However, a subsequent notification from the President ensured that central rule would persist indefinitely within the union territory through the lieutenant governor.

The overseeing of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir in instances of constitutional failures falls under Section 73 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. This section empowers the President, upon the lieutenant governor’s recommendation, to make necessary administrative interventions for the region’s governance, underlying the significance of Articles 239 and 239A of the Constitution in the context of union territory administration.

Furthermore, the Act’s Section 54 deliberates on the appointment and the ensuing responsibilities of the chief minister and ministers within the union territory. This legal framework sets the stage for a democratic and structured administration in Jammu and Kashmir, heralding a future of governance that aligns with the provisions of the Act and the aspirations of its people.

First Published: Oct 13 2024 | 11:54 PM IST

Bringing our discussion to a close, it’s refreshing to see the canvas of Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape being primed for a new visage. With the erstwhile cloak of President’s rule now lifted, the region stands on the cusp of writing a new chapter, one brimming with the promise of democracy and governance. Omar Abdullah’s impending tenure as chief minister ushers in not just a leadership change but potentially a new era of political clarity and development focus.

As we pivot from the content of gazette notifications and legislative acts to the reality of their implementation, it’s entertaining to speculate about the future. Will this new government be able to heal old wounds, bridge divides, and usher in a sustained period of peace and prosperity? Time, as always, will tell. But for now, the people of Jammu and Kashmir can entertain hope for a brighter tomorrow – a hope rooted in the legal and constitutional mechanisms that have facilitated this fresh start. Discussion, debate, and even a measure of speculation about the future are not just expected but welcome.

After all, in the vibrant democracy that is India, every significant political move invites scrutiny, anticipation, and a kaleidoscope of opinions. And if you’re intrigued by the unfolding political narratives not just here but across the globe, keep an eye on DeFi Daily News. Because, when it comes to politics, the story is never fully told; it continually evolves, offering new angles, insights, and, invariably, a touch of drama. Here’s to the next chapter in Jammu and Kashmir’s history – may it be written with wisdom, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of its people.

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