Sanjay Pandita
Early Times Report
Jammu, Feb 3: The budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly opened on Monday under a cloud of uncertainty, with the crucial post of Deputy Speaker still lying vacant more than a year after the Omar Abdullah-led government took office.
Despite repeated demands from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which emerged as the principal opposition with 29 seats in the October 2024 elections, the ruling National Conference has yet to indicate whether it will follow the long-standing convention of allotting the position to the largest opposition party.
The BJP has pressed its claim, arguing that appointing its nominee would uphold parliamentary tradition and strengthen Assembly proceedings.
Party leaders say informal communications have been made to the government but no clear response has been received. “The post of Deputy Speaker is important for the smooth functioning of the Assembly. Since the BJP holds the status of principal opposition, the appointment should be made without further delay,” a senior leader told Early Times, adding that such a move could also help foster better coordination with the Centre.
The Omar Abdullah government, supported by the Congress, CPI(M), and Independents, assumed office on October 16, 2024. Fourteen months later, the absence of a Deputy Speaker has fuelled speculation that the ruling party may be deliberately delaying the decision to curb the BJP’s influence in the House.
Analysts suggest the National Conference is weighing its options carefully, given the sensitive political environment in the Union Territory.
With no constitutional requirement for an immediate appointment, the prolonged delay has added to the political uncertainty surrounding the Assembly.
As the budget session progresses, the issue is expected to gain sharper focus, with the BJP maintaining a guarded silence while awaiting the ruling party’s next move. Until then, the Assembly continues to function without a Deputy Speaker, underscoring the fragile balance of power in Jammu and Kashmir. |
