Ensure Jammu and Kashmir gets new government by May 2019, Omar Abdullah asks PM Modi

Former chief minister and National Conference (NC) leader, Omar Abdullah on Wednesday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that Assembly elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir within six months following the dissolution of the state Assembly. Taking to micro-blogging website Twitter, Omar Abdullah wrote, "Sir, please also commit your government to assembly elections in J&K. Vested interests, including some occupying positions of authority in J&K, are trying to engineer a delay." Responding to a tweet from Modi lauding the high voter turnout in the state during the panchayat and urban local bodies polls Omar said, "Your government's handling of J&K will be judged by whether assembly elections are on time or not sir."

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Earlier, Prime minister Narendra Modi had tweeted: "The high voter turnout in the polls clearly displays immense faith that people of J&K have put in grass root democratic institutions of the country. Essence of democracy lies in empowerment of the common citizen, to which our government is totally committed."

Omar said he was looking forward to a commitment from the Prime Minister that an elected government will be in place by May next year.

"Six months from the date of dissolution means a return to elected government before the end of May 2019. We look forward to your personal commitment to keeping to that schedule jenab PM sahib," Omar said.

Jammu and Kashmir was placed under President's rule on Wednesday. The Union cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the decision on Monday after Governor Satya Pal Malik sent a report to the central government recommending imposition of President's rule in the state.

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Since the state does not come under President’s rule under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution and is promulgated under Section 92 of the state Constitution, all the decisions taken thereof shall have a concurrence of the president under Article 74 (1)(i) under which council of ministers with the Prime Minister at the head will aid and advise the President.

Jammu and Kashmir plunged into a political crisis in June after the Mehbooba Mufti-led coalition government was reduced to minority following withdrawal of support by the 25-member BJP in the state.