Jammu & Kashmir LG Can Nominate Members Without Elected Government's Advice

The Central Government has clarified that the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir can nominate five members to the Assembly without the advice of the elected government. Political parties like PDP (People’s Democratic Party) and National Conference have opposed this decision, stating that it is undemocratic and violates the public mandate. A Congress leader has challenged this nomination power and filed a petition in the High Court.

The confusion regarding the nomination of five members to the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly has been cleared by the central government. The Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified that the Lieutenant Governor, without the advice and assistance of an elected government, has the authority to nominate five members at his discretion. The central government provided this clarification in the High Court, but it has triggered intense local political debate. PDP President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has opposed the LG’s right to nominate legislators, calling it undemocratic and urging a strong resistance. On the other hand, the spokesperson of the ruling National Conference, Tanveer Sadiq, said that this is extremely harmful to democracy and serves as a tool to reject the public mandate.