The Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the state assembly just in time when Sajad Lone and Mehbooba Mufti tried to stake claim.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti pulled support from her arch rival Omar Abdullah (leader of the National Conference Party) and Congress party. Together their strength would have stood at 56.
On twitter Mufti said she tried to fax her letter, but the Governors fax machine was down. She tried to call too, but could not reach the Governor.
On the other side Sajad Lone pulled support from 18 MLAs and BJP to stake claim.
In all the Governor would have received two letters from probable CM candidates. Meanwhile the Governor ignored these leaders, and dissolved the assembly. Social media and the two major parties trolled the Governor for owning a damaged fax machine.
The NC, PDP nor the Congress have made an attempt to approach the court regarding the dissolution of the assembly.
In fact the National Conference (NC) even welcomed the move, and were ready to fight new elections. The two-party leaders of NC and PDP had an emotional moment as Mehbooba Mufti thanked for the support.
Today the Governor came out, and told media that he would’ve still proceeded with dissolution even if he received the letters before. The Governor had placed the State Assembly in suspension mode for 5 months, the assembly is usually kept in such mode only to give another chance for parties to stake claim and form the Government.
The Governor went to justify his doings and welcomed if any of the party wanted to move to court.
In my twenty six year old career as a politician, I thought I had seen it all! But like they say never say never! Nevertheless, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to @OmarAbdullah and @Ambikasoni4 ji for helping us achieve the seemingly impossible. 1/4
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) November 21, 2018
~ The Pigeon Express Views
The Jammu and Kashmir Governor took 5 months to decide if he needed to dissolve the assembly? The timing of the move is highly debatable, the Governor decides just when he received communication from individuals to form Government.
Satya Pal Malik tilts towards the BJP, so obviously to keep anti-BJP from forming Government he did what he did.
Another important thing I’d like to point out, is that the valley is more peaceful after the Governors rule. Kudos to the man, reduced militant insurgency and zero stone pelting. With no politics in mind it has been easy to handle pro-Pakistani separatists and terrorists. This has made the valley more peaceful.
Coming to the other end. Why regional forces (PDP-NC) decide to come together after 5 months? Was this move just to speed-en the dissolution of the assembly? These bitter rivals for ages overnight decide to form an alliance, this is bizarre and strange.
Such things happen in an open democracy, people let loose and take advantage of the loopholes in democracy.