Paromita Das
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 14th October. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is on the cusp of a historic political shift, as the President’s rule imposed on the region has officially been revoked. This development comes more than four years after Jammu and Kashmir, once a state, was reorganized into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh—on October 31, 2019. The formal withdrawal of President’s rule sets the stage for the installation of an elected government in the coming days, marking a significant milestone in the region’s political landscape.
Official Notification: Revoking President’s Rule
The announcement of the revocation was made through an official notification issued by President Droupadi Murmu, citing her powers under Section 73 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, read in conjunction with Articles 239 and 239A of the Indian Constitution. The notification stated:
“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 Reorganization Act, 2019.”
This move paves the way for the appointment of the Chief Minister, signaling the restoration of democratic governance in the Union Territory (UT). The revocation of President’s rule also marks the end of more than four years of direct central administration.
The Long Path to Democratic Restoration
The political situation in Jammu and Kashmir has been in a state of flux for several years. Long before the reorganization in 2019, President’s rule had already been in place since June 2018, following the collapse of the coalition government led by Mehbooba Mufti of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had been in alliance with the PDP, withdrew its support, forcing Mufti to resign and paving the way for the imposition of central rule.
After the bifurcation of the state in 2019, the region was governed directly by the Lieutenant Governor (LG), with no elected legislative body. This situation has remained for over four years, during which the central government maintained control over the region’s administration.
Omar Abdullah to Lead New Government
With the revocation of President’s rule, the political vacuum in Jammu and Kashmir is finally set to be filled. Omar Abdullah, Vice President of the National Conference (NC) and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, is set to return to the helm as the next Chief Minister. Abdullah’s NC, in alliance with the Indian National Congress, secured a majority in the recent Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, which were the first held in the region since it became a Union Territory.
On Friday, Omar Abdullah met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar to stake his claim to form the new government. This meeting signals the beginning of a new era for Jammu and Kashmir, where the region will once again have an elected government after years of central control.
Abdullah’s return to power is seen as a major moment in the region’s political history, as he has consistently advocated for the restoration of statehood and greater autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir. His leadership is expected to focus on these goals, while also addressing the challenges of governance and development in the region.
The Legacy of August 5, 2019: Abrogation of Article 370
The current political transformation in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be separated from the events of August 5, 2019. On that day, the Parliament of India passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, which led to the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. This legislation also accompanied the abrogation of Article 370, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, allowing it to have its own constitution and a significant degree of autonomy.
The abrogation of Article 370 was a contentious and historic move. For decades, the special status had been a point of debate between those who argued that it was essential for the region’s unique identity and those who saw it as an obstacle to full integration with India. With the revocation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir was brought fully under the purview of the Indian Constitution, and its special privileges were dissolved.
The decision to abrogate Article 370 sparked widespread protests and political opposition, particularly from regional parties like the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party. However, it also won strong support from other quarters, as many saw it as a necessary step for greater integration of Jammu and Kashmir into the Indian Union.
Conclusion: A New Beginning for Jammu & Kashmir
The revocation of President’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir and the return of an elected government represent a turning point in the region’s political trajectory. After years of direct central administration, the people of Jammu and Kashmir will once again have elected representatives in charge of governance. This shift is expected to bring new opportunities for development, governance, and political engagement in the region, which has been at the center of national and international attention for decades.
Omar Abdullah’s expected appointment as Chief Minister brings with it a renewed focus on key regional issues, including the demand for the restoration of statehood and greater autonomy. Abdullah’s leadership is anticipated to steer Jammu and Kashmir through this new phase of its political evolution, balancing local aspirations with the realities of the post-Article 370 era.
The return of democratic governance to Jammu and Kashmir is undoubtedly a positive step. After years of uncertainty and direct central rule, the people of the region deserve a government that represents their aspirations and is accountable to them. Omar Abdullah’s National Conference has a strong base in the region, and his leadership offers the potential for stability and progress.
However, the road ahead is not without challenges. The legacy of the abrogation of Article 370 remains a deeply polarizing issue, and while some welcome the changes, others continue to view them with skepticism. Abdullah’s government will need to navigate these tensions carefully, fostering a sense of inclusion among all segments of the population while addressing the governance and developmental needs of the Union Territory.
In the coming days, the focus will be on how this new government builds its relationship with the central administration, tackles pressing issues such as unemployment and security, and works towards fulfilling the promises made to the electorate. The restoration of democracy in Jammu and Kashmir is an encouraging sign, but it will take sustained efforts from all stakeholders to ensure that the region moves towards lasting peace and prosperity.
