Jammu and Kashmir came under Governor’s rule on Friday. No party staked a claim to form the government. Talks between the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the BJP continued to be deadlocked. Governor N.N Vohra took the decision with the President’s assent. Former chief minister Omar Abdullah had resigned on December 24. The Governor had held discussions with the leadership of both the PDP and the BJP. The state just could not continue to be in limbo. According to the rules, the next government was to take office by January 19. The PDP and the BJP refused to budge from their positions on the revocation of Article 370, AFSPA, delimitation issues and the CM’s tenure. The blame game is already in full swing. Abdullah has held the PDP responsible for the imposition of Governor’s rule. He has said that the PDP wanted the deadlock to continue so that its chief, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed could have a six year tenure. The PDP has accused the National Conference of trying to create an atmosphere which would force it to go the wrong way. The BJP state media in charge, Altaf Thakur has said that the regional parties have proved that they are not well-wishers of J&K. Otherwise; they would have cobbled together an alliance with the BJP. A decision on the formation of a democratic government in J&K can be taken only after the assembly elections in Delhi are over.
This is the second time that J&K has come under Governor’s rule during the tenure of N.N Vohra. He had previously had to perform the role in 2008 when he had very good relations with the Centre. It is hoped that the NDA government in New Delhi would lend full support to him. Peace and stability is a must in the sensitive state which is very vulnerable to cross-border terrorism. It is now Governor Vohra’s job to ensure it and that democracy would return to J&K as soon as possible.
