[The Big Picture] J&K Government : How long can it be stalled?

Summary:

• It has been nearly a month since the J&K assembly result has been out and stalemate continues over the formation of government.

• The results of the assembly elections threw up a hung assembly in Jammu and Kashmir with the PDP emerging as the single largest party bagging 28 seats. The BJP came second with 25 seats while National Conference bagged 15 seats followed by Congress with 12 seats and others winning 7 seats.

• The main reason behind the continuing deadlock is the reluctance of two major parties, namely PDP and BJP, to budge from their rigid stands on contentious issues like Article 370, Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), delimitation issues and the chief minister’s tenure. PDP has sought assurances from BJP on these contentious issues but the BJP is worried over the backlash that it may have to face if PDP’s demands are conceded.

• The BJP, on the other hand, is keen to participate in the new government as it has emerged the second largest party in Assembly elections.

• The state is under governor’s rule now. If no government is formed the governor’s rule would continue under the provisions of the state constitution.

• The onus is more on the BJP now because it is ruling at the centre.

• The upcoming Rajya Sabha polls have forced the parties to expedite negotiations. The 4 vacant Rajya Sabha seats have to be filled.

• BJP is keen to increase its strength in the Rajya Sabha where the government is in minority and the Centre had to take the ordinance route for enacting certain laws in view of stiff opposition in the upper house of the Parliament.

• The BJP is of the view that government formation in J&K ahead of Delhi assembly polls will send a positive message to the electorate, and thus will garner more support than it is expecting.

Source : Rajya Sabha TV