The Congress flag.
Credit: PTI File Photo
Jammu: The Congress on Friday strongly opposed the nomination of five MLAs before the government formation in Jammu and Kashmir, labelling any such move as an assault on democracy and the fundamental principles of the Constitution.
For the first time in J&K, five nominated MLAs will have a significant role in forming the new government following a decade-long hiatus. The L-G will nominate these members based on the advice of the Home Ministry, according to reports.
This process follows an amendment to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which was further revised on July 26, 2023 to introduce these nominations.
In that case, the J&K assembly will expand to 95 members, increasing the majority threshold to 48 seats to form a government.
"We oppose the nomination of five MLAs by the lieutenant governor before the government formation in Jammu and Kashmir. Any such a move is an assault on democracy, the people's mandate, and the fundamental principles of the Constitution," Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) senior vice president and chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma told reporters here.
Flanked by working president Raman Bhalla, he expressed disapproval and opposition to fight it tooth and nail.
They emphasised that such attempts highlight the BJP's desperation to manipulate numbers, despite lacking the means to form the government.
Assembly Elections 2024 | In the first assembly polls since the Lok Sabha elections, Narendra Modi and the BJP face a rejuvenated and vindicated Opposition in the Haryana assembly polls. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir is voting after almost a decade and it remains to be seen how the abrogation of Article 370 has impacted the political landscape of the Valley. Track the latest coverage, live news, in-depth opinions, and analyses only on Deccan Herald.