Governor's rule imposed in Jammu & Kashmir, PDP fails to form government

After Omar Abdullah stepped down as caretaker Chief Minister of the state and no alliance has been formed to come ahead and govern, the central government has recommended the imposition of Governor’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir to the president, CNN-IBN reports. [caption id=“attachment_2038543” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Jammu and Kashmir CM NN Vohra.[/caption] The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and BJP, which finished with the highest and second highest number of seats in the state elections, have been in talks to form an alliance but have failed to cement one so far. The Centre’s recommendation came after Omar Abdullah decided not to continue as caretaker Chief Minister, arguing that the state needed a full-time administrator to deal with the situation along the border with Pakistan. Abdullah met state Governor NN Vohra in Delhi soon after his return from London after a 12-day visit to his parents and is understood have conveyed that he wished to be relieved of the position of caretaker Chief Minister. He was asked to continue as caretaker Chief Minister on 24 December after his resignation in the wake of defeat of his party in the Assembly polls. NC could manage only 15 seats. The new government is required to be constituted before 19 January when the term of the current Assembly expires failing which Governor’s rule was inevitable. Omar is believed to have told Vohra that it was not possible for him to provide relief as a caretaker Chief Minister to the people along the border in Jammu where constant shelling has led to loss of houses and migration to safer places. He was not in a position to help people affected by the floods in the Valley who are facing a harsh winter. While the BJP and PDP are in talks, there were reports that the alliance may be held off until the Delhi polls were over since the BJP didn’t want it affecting their chances there. The PDP has laid down a list of promises to be fulfilled by any potential alliance partner, which includes backing it on Article 370 of the Constitution and the removal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in parts of the state. Both are demands that the BJP had refused to accede to earlier. The BJP may also need to promise greater flexibility on talks with Pakistan and the Hurriyat , both of which the party has shown no inclination towards doing.