Early Times Report
Jammu, Feb 25: With the second session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly set to begin on March 3, the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference (NC) government, supported by Independents, has yet to decide on appointing a Deputy Speaker. The delay has sparked political debate, particularly since the post is conventionally reserved for the principal opposition party.
The NC-led government, which took office on October 16, 2024, completed its first 100 days on January 24. However, the key position of Deputy Speaker remains vacant, leaving the opposition—especially the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—seeking clarity on the matter.
The first but brief session of the Omar Abdullah-led government was started on November 5, 2024.
Following the recent Assembly elections, the BJP emerged as the principal opposition party with 29 seats. By legislative convention, the Deputy Speaker’s position is typically assigned to the largest opposition party, providing it a significant role in Assembly proceedings. Given its strength, the BJP has been expecting its nominee to be appointed.
As reported earlier by the Early Times, BJP leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have voiced their concerns over the delay, urging the government to uphold parliamentary traditions. Party insiders claim that informal communications have been made with the government, but no concrete response has been received.
“The Deputy Speaker’s position is crucial for the smooth functioning of the Assembly. It is a well-established precedent that the post goes to the pr The delay has sparked political debate, particularly since the post is conventionally reserved for the principal opposition party.
The key position of Deputy Speaker remains vacant, leaving the opposition—especially the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—seeking clarity on the matter.
Given its strength, the BJP has been expecting its nominee to be appointed.
BJP leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have voiced their concerns over the delay, urging the government to uphold parliamentary traditions.
He added that appointing a Deputy Speaker from the opposition would send a positive message and could help the NC government build a better relationship with the Centre.
Despite mounting pressure, the Omar Abdullah government has not issued any official statement regarding the delay. Political analysts believe the ruling party is carefully considering its options, given the complex political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
While there is no constitutional obligation to immediately appoint a Deputy Speaker, the prolonged delay—more than 100 days after the government took office—has led to speculation about possible political maneuvering. Some experts suggest the NC might be strategically postponing the appointment to limit the BJP’s influence in the Assembly.
With the BJP pushing for the post and the government yet to take a decision, uncertainty lingers over the Deputy Speaker’s appointment. As the Assembly session approaches, the issue is likely to gain more attention, making it a crucial political matter in the coming weeks.
Observers suggest that while the government may eventually make the appointment, it could be waiting for a politically advantageous moment. Until then, the BJP’s wait continues, leaving the Legislative Assembly without a Deputy Speaker and adding another layer of political complexity to Jammu and Kashmir’s governance. |
