President’s Rule Around The Corner For J&K: Cabinet Gives Thumbs-Up To Governor’s Recommendation

The Union cabinet has accepted Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Governor’s recommendation to impose President’s rule in the state which will last for six months, reports India Today. The decision comes as the six month period of Governor’s rule in the state expires today (19 December).

President Ram Nath Kovind will have to issue a formal proclamation announcing that the powers of the state legislature will now be exercisable by the Parliament.

As per Article 92 of the J&K constitution, six months of compulsory Governor’s rule is followed by the dissolution of the state legislature, and then President’s rule is imposed for a period of six months, after which fresh elections are supposed to be organised.

Governor Malik had already dissolved the state legislature last month, stating that no political faction was strong enough to form a stable government. Allegations of horse trading of MLAs had also come to light.

Under President’s rule, the state machinery comes under the direct control of the central government. Apart from political uncertainty, J&K is also currently undergoing an upsurge in terrorist violence with dozens of local as well as Pakistani terrorists being eliminated by the security forces in recent months.