Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 26: The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a shift following the results of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, which have prompted the ruling National Conference (NC) to rethink its strategy regarding the appointment of the Deputy Speaker in the Legislative Assembly.
The NC, earlier inclined to offer the post to a Congress MLA, is now leaning towards the principal opposition party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), signaling a pragmatic approach to legislative politics.
The Congress’s poor performance in the Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly elections has dealt a blow to its credibility as a viable political force. This development appears to have influenced the NC’s decision to abandon its earlier plan of accommodating a Congress MLA for the Deputy Speaker’s post as the grand old party is a pre-poll alliance of the NC.
Political observers in Jammu and Kashmir note that the Congress’s weakening position in national and state politics has raised questions about its ability to serve as an effective partner in the region. The NC, which has historically maintained a cautious alliance with Congress, seems to be recalibrating its stance in light of these developments.
The NC is now reportedly inclined to follow the long-standing tradition of offering the Deputy Speaker’s “The post of Deputy Speaker traditionally goes to the principal opposition party. By following this norm, we can ensure better coordination within the Assembly."
A senior NC leader remarked on the condition of anonymity, “The post of Deputy Speaker traditionally goes to the principal opposition party. By following this norm, we can ensure better coordination within the Assembly while upholding democratic conventions.”
The BJP, which emerged as the largest opposition party in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, stands to benefit from this decision. While the BJP’s ideological differences with the NC are well-documented, this potential accommodation signals a shift toward legislative pragmatism.
The NC’s decision is expected to have significant ramifications for the political equation in Jammu and Kashmir. Offering the Deputy Speaker’s post to the BJP could ease tensions between the ruling party and the opposition, creating an environment for constructive debate and collaboration in the Assembly.
However, this move might not sit well with Congress, which has traditionally aligned with the NC in Jammu and Kashmir’s complex political milieu. Political analysts predict that this decision could further weaken Congress’s standing in the region, as it grapples with declining influence nationally. | 