In a dramatic fast – paced political developments in Jammu and Kashmir, the Governor Satya Pall Malik has dissolved the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly thus paving the way for fresh elections.
The Governor took this step as political activities regarding formation of government suddenly gathered momentum. Sajjad Lone , supported by rebel PDP members staked claim, soon Mehbooba Mufti to staked her claim by claiming the support of the National Conference and the Congress.
The PDP has a current strength of 28 in the state assembly, while the NC has 15 and the Congress has 12. The BJP was the second largest party in the state with 25 members.
But the Governor according to media reports amidst the claims and counter claims decided to dissolve the assembly. It is now up to the Election Commission to take a call when to order fresh polls in the near future.
The state is currently under governor’s rule which cannot be extended after it completes its six-month period on 19 December. The situation of President’s rule arose after BJP – PDP alliance headed with mehbooba Mufti as Chief minister collapsed after three years with BJP withdrawing support in June 2018
Meanwhile , Omar Abdullah , Former Chief Minister and National Conference leader , tweeted his reaction after the assembly was dissolved.
JKNC has been pressing for assembly dissolution for 5 months now. It can’t be a coincidence that within minutes of Mehbooba Mufti Sahiba letter staking claim the order to dissolve the assembly suddenly appears.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) November 21, 2018