Governors rule imposed in J&K

New Delhi: After Jammu & Kashmir governor N N Vohra sent a report to the Centre conveying a “political deadlock” in the state in the wake of failure of any party or political formation to cobble the numbers to form the next government as well as Omar Abdullah’s request to be relieved as the caretaker chief minister, Governor’s rule has been imposed in the state. 

“The ground situation in J&K is that of a political impasse,” a home ministry functionary said. The Governor’s rule will continue until a party or coalition of parties comes forward to stake claim to form the government. 

J&K elections that concluded on December 20 threw up a badly-hung House. PDP emerged as the single largest party with 28 seats, BJP bagged 25 seats, National Conference 15 and Congress 12 seats. Despite extensive talks on government formation between BJP and the regional parties, particularly PDP, a power-sharing formula is yet to be agreed upon. 

The impasse worsened on Wednesday night with Omar Abdullah requesting the J&K governor to be relieved as the caretaker chief minister.

“Just to confirm I did meet Gov Vohra sahib last night and asked him to relieve me as caretaker CM. I had agreed to stay temporarily. Given the situation on the border and 10,000 displaced, the hardships of winter and the continuing need for relief for flood affected, I believe the interests of the state will only be served by a full-time administrator and not a caretaker with no mandate to govern,” Omar had tweeted on Thursday. 

The official said if no government is formed until January 19, there will be no option but to impose Governor’s rule in J&K which has now been imposed.