Attempts of the BJP to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir have failed and the State Legislative Assembly is likely to be dissolved by the Governor within next two days.
As per the sources privy to this development, the Governor Satya Pal Malik has given go ahead to the dissolution of assembly in Jammu and Kashmir and the paper work in this regard has commenced. The final order as per the reports is likely to be issued within next 48 hours.
Sources said that the BJP had been striving hard to stitch an alliance with the rebel PDP leaders and some independents however it is falling short of the magic figure of 44.
Recently, BJP general secretary and party’s pointsman for Jammu and Kashmir Ram Madhav visited the state and held confabulations with various groups including the rebel PDP leaders and its ally Sajad Gani Lone. As Madhav met the leaders of the political groups as well, he seems to have sensed that the chances to stake claim for the government formation by the BJP in the state have turned bleak and it is time to simply pave way for the dissolution of the assembly.
Pertinently, there are reports that Jammu and Kashmir would come directly under President’s rule after December 19, 2018 as the 6 month spell of Governor’s rule would end.
In June this year BJP had toppled the Mehbooba Mufti led government in the state after BJP leaders congregated at New Delhi and announced withdrawal of support in a press conference. State of Jammu and Kashmir came under Governor’s rule the next day- June 20, this year. Since then, speculations were rife that various political groups are holding insidious talks with the BJP to form the government. Amongst them was the PDP rebel group led by Imran Ansari and his uncle Abid Ansari.
Imran Ansari had time and again claimed that there are chances of the BJP and his rebel group forming the government once again in the state and that he has the support of at least 23 PDP legislators. The total strength of the PDP in the lower house of the state is 27.
Meanwhile, as dissolution of the state assembly is likely to happen within no time, it seems that the attempts of the various political groups including the BJP to form the government have failed miserably and the central government too seem to have understood that it is serving no purpose to keep the state legislature in limbo.
The Governor Satya Pal Malik had already stated that he would first explore options over whether there are any chances that a popular government could be formed in the state and if he doesn’t come across any, he will take measures for the dissolution of the state assembly without any delay. The later seem to be a practical option for now.