President’s rule is set to be imposed in Jammu and Kashmir from December 20, as the Governor’s rule expires in the state on December 19, said government sources.
According to the sources, the Centre is learnt to have recommended President’s rule after a report by Governor Satya Pal Malik, officials said on Tuesday.
Governor Malik had earlier recommended the government to impose President’s rule in the state after the expiry of six-months of Governor’s rule on December 19, officials said.
A communication from the governor’s office had been sent to the Union Home Ministry which was taken up by the Union cabinet for its nod, officials added.
As per the officials, President Ram Nath Kovind will have to issue a proclamation which declares that the powers of the legislature of the state shall be exercisable by or under the authority of Parliament.
The state plunged into a political crisis in June 2018, after the Mehbooba Mufti-led coalition government was reduced to minority following withdrawal of support by the 25-member BJP in the state.
The governor has to dissolve the Legislative Assembly after the period of six months is over and the state then directly comes under the President’s rule for another six months after which elections have to be held in the state.
If elections are not declared, President Rule will be can be extended by another six months.
On November 21, Malik had dissolved the 87-member state assembly after the PDP, supported by the Congress and their arch rivals National Conference, had staked their claim to form the government. Simultaneously, the two-member People’s Conference led by Sajjad Lone had also staked his claim to form a government.
