As BJP dumps PDP, Governor's rule imposed in J&K
What's the story
In a major development, President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday morning approved Governor's rule in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). On Tuesday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) pulled out of an alliance with PDP, leading to the resignation of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. Governor Narinder Nath Vohra will now be at the helm of affairs of the Northernmost Indian state.
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Governor Vohra has taken charge of J&K earlier too
Governor Vohra has presided over the state in the past as well. He was the governor in 2008, 2014 and 2016 too, when central rule was imposed. Reportedly, he will stay in charge till the conclusion of Amarnath Yatra on August 26.
Governor Vohra
An experienced man, Governor Vohra is the best bet
On Tuesday evening, Governor Vohra forwarded a report to President for imposing of Governor rule in the state. The report was also sent to Union Home Ministry. He has also called for a meeting on Wednesday afternoon to review the security situation in the state. A 1959-batch IAS officer of Punjab cadre, Vohra is seen as the best shot in Jammu and Kashmir.
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No plans to remove Vohra, reveals cabinet minister
"There are no immediate plans to remove him. His experience in handling the affairs of the State during complex situations like the 2008 Amarnath agitation that claimed over 100 lives can be an advantage," a senior cabinet minister said.
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Why did BJP pull the plug though?
The BJP-PDP government came to power in 2015, after neither party managed to win an absolute majority. BJP's goals were two-fold, said National General Secretary Ram Madhav: restoring peace, especially in Kashmir, and bringing development in all three regions of the state. After framing a common agenda, they joined hands with the PDP. But the recent state of affairs is disappointing, he said yesterday.
Mufti's exit
Handing over resignation, Mufti said muscular power not the answer
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, after she resigned from J&K CM post, Mehbooba Mufti said they wanted to provide a healing touch to the valley. "We had always said muscular security policy will not work in Jammu and Kashmir, reconciliation is key," she said. The Centre's decision to not extend the Ramzan ceasefire widened the rift between allies.
The aftermath
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi tweets UPA's work was destroyed
Hours after BJP dumped PDP, Congress President Rahul Gandhi wrote on Twitter the opportunistic alliance set 'valley on fire'. He said the parties destroyed hard work of UPA through the years and claimed President's rule won't change anything. On a related note, former J&K CM Omar Abdullah refuted speculations that National Conference would form a government. He said Governor's rule will improve the situation.
Twitter Post
Jammu and Kashmir was set on fire, tweets Rahul Gandhi
The opportunistic BJP-PDP alliance set fire to JK, killing many innocent people including our brave soldiers. It cost India strategically destroyed years of UPA’s hard work. The damage will continue under President’s rule. Incompetence, arrogance hatred always fails.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 19, 2018