J&K under Governor's rule for 7th time
Jammu and Kashmir was brought under Governor's rule after Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed passed away at AIIMS hospital on 7 January. The President cleared the recommendation of the Union home ministry for imposing Governor's rule, leaving Governor Narinder Nath Vohra in charge of state affairs. This is the seventh time in Jammu and Kashmir's history that the state has been under Governor's rule.
Why has J&K been put under Governor's rule?
Mehbooba Mufti, daughter of late Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed is to be sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. 28 MLAs of the People Democratic Party legislature party have backed her for the Chief Minister's post. However, she is unwilling to take oath as the CM until the four-day mourning period over her father's death is completed on Sunday.
What is Governor's rule?
In the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Governor's rule is imposed by invoking Section 92 of the J&K Constitution, through which the state comes under administration of the Central Government, which exercises administrative control through the centrally appointed Governor of the state.
What are the conditions for Governor's rule?
Governor's rule is implemented under varying circumstances, all of which relate to the failure or breakdown of the state's administrative machinery. Failure of state to elect a CM, breakdown of a state coalition or postponement of elections for unavoidable reasons, all warrant the implementation of Governor's rule. In many cases, the inability of state administration to maintain law and order also warrants Governor's rule.
History of Governor's rule in J&K
Governor's rule has been imposed in J&K six times prior to this. Governor's rule was imposed for the first time in March 1977, when Congress withdrew support to the then government headed by National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. It was imposed for a second time in March 1986 when Congress withdrew support to the minority government headed by Abdullah's son-in-law Ghulam Mohammad Shah.
History of Governor's rule in J&K
In January 1990, Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah resigned over differences with Governor Jagmohan Malhotra, leading to J&K's longest spell of Governor's rule from 1990 to 1996. In October 2002, Governor's rule was imposed after the incumbent National Conference lost elections and no coalition was formed to continue administration. From July 2008-January 2009, Governor's rule was imposed after the PDP withdrew support from PDP-Congress coalition.
When was Governor's rule last imposed?
The Governor's rule was last imposed in J&K after the assembly election results in December 2015, threw up a hung assembly with no party or combination of parties able to stake claim for government formation.
