J&K Assembly: Congress’ Tariq Hameed Karra criticises nomination of 5 MLAs, calls it “unconstitutional, undemocratic”

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], October 9 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Congress President Tariq Hameed Karra on Wednesday criticised the decision to authorise the Lieutenant Governor to nominate five additional MLAs to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.

He stated that while it is clear the nominated MLAs will likely support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he does not foresee any difficulties in forming the government.

“I have consistently maintained that the nomination of five MLAs by the LG is unconstitutional and undemocratic, and we have initiated action in this regard. Let’s see how far we succeed. However, if it is about their induction and their support for the BJP, which is quite obvious, I don’t see any problems arising in forming the government because of it,” Karra said.

The state’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is set to nominate five members in addition to the 90 elected members of the Assembly.

The Congress also formally congratulated J&K National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah for his party’s victory of 42 seats in the Assembly. The NC-Congress pre-poll alliance has secured 48 seats collectively, positioning them to form the government.

“Today, we are here to formally congratulate Farooq Abdullah. For now, there are no other discussions taking place, as Omar Abdullah previously mentioned that the JKNC would first meet before speaking with the alliance partner. Once their (NC’s) legislative party meeting occurs, the necessary steps, such as extending a letter of support, will follow,” he added.

Earlier, as J&K National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah announced that party Vice President Omar Abdullah would be the next Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah expressed gratitude but emphasised that the decision ultimately rests with the legislators and the alliance.

“I am very grateful for the confidence my father (Farooq Abdullah) has placed in me. However, the final decision lies with the legislators and the alliance. While I love my father dearly and deeply appreciate his support, it is the legislators who have the final say, and I always believe in adhering to the rules and following the proper procedure,” Omar Abdullah said.

The J&K Assembly election results were declared on October 8, with the J&K National Conference winning 42 seats, while Congress secured six seats. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s PDP won three seats, Sajad Gani Lone’s People’s Conference and the Aam Aadmi Party won one seat each, CPI(M) secured one seat, and Independents claimed seven seats. The BJP garnered 25.64 per cent of the vote share, followed by the National Conference with 23.43 per cent, and Congress with 11.97 per cent.

This was the first election in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and its bifurcation into two Union Territories.