Representative image for voting.
Credit: iStock Photo
Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are being held after almost ten years, since Article 370 was abrogated. The first phase out of the three phases of polling has been completed on September 18. Phase 2 is on September 25 and Phase 3 on October 1.
Results will be announced on October 8.
Let us take a look at what is a Legislative Assembly.
Similar to the Lok Sabha at the Centre, a Legislative Assembly serves as the main general assembly at the state level.
The state assemblies are responsible for making and enacting laws for governing the state, which includes the passing of Bills and discussions over matters concerning the state’s administration.
Legislative Assemblies comprise of MLAs, who are elected through voting from the different constituencies of the state.
The population of each state determines how many seats each Assembly has, and this number is subject to change over time due to redistricting and population fluctuations.
The Assembly is led by the Chief Minister, who is usually the leader of the majority party or coalition and is responsible for the state's day-to-day administration. The Governor, who is appointed by the President of India, serves as the state's head and summons and prorogues assembly sessions.
The legislative process consists of bills being introduced, debates, committee discussions, and voting. A simple majority vote in the Legislative Assembly is required for a bill to become law.
The Bill is then sent to the Governor for approval. Nonetheless, the Governor's consent is not necessary for some Bills, such as Money Bills.
By passing laws and policies that have an impact on the lives of the people living under its jurisdiction, the Legislative Assembly plays a vital role in the governance of the state. It provides a platform for various discussions, representation of the diverse concerns and interests of the people in the state, and making decisions.
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.