President's Rule Revoked in J&K, Decks Cleared For Swearing-in Of Omar Abdullah Govt

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday revoked the President’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir, paving way for the government formation after the recently-concluded assembly elections.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 73 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 (34 of 2019) read with articles 239 and 239A of the Constitution of India, the Order dated the 31st October, 2019 in relation to the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir shall stand revoked immediately before the appointment of the Chief Minister under section 54 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019,” read the order.

According to reports, the President’s Rule needs to be revoked in order to allow the newly-elected government to take oath.

The NC-Congress alliance has staked claim to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir after securing a clear majority in the polls. The Communist Party of India (Marxist), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and several Independent legislators have extended support to the coalition.

The revocation of President’s Rule in Jammu and Kashmir received approval from the Union Cabinet. Following this, President Murmu issued the necessary notification, formally ending the Central administration in the region.

The decision followed National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah’s meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday, where he staked his claim to form a new government after the recently concluded assembly elections in J&K.

Central rule was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir on October 31, 2019, following the formal division of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 was passed by the Parliament on August 5, 2019. Article 370 of the Constitution, which accorded a special status to the erstwhile state, was also abrogated on that day.

Prior to October 31, 2019, the central rule was continuing in the erstwhile state from June 2017 after the resignation of the then chief minister Mehbooba Mufti when the BJP withdrew support to the PDP-led government.

(with inputs from PTI)