NC-Congress alliance begins new era in IIOJK after polls

The Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) saw the rise of National Conference-Congress alliance, who secured 19 seats marking the end of five-year Presidential rule in the disputed region. 

This marks the final stage of an electoral process that will provide an elected government after a gap of six years, following the collapse of the PDP-BJP regime on June 20, 2018, and the subsequent abrogation of Article 370. The majority mark is 46.

As per details, Omar Abdullah is set to become the chief minister of the IIOJK, with the first Assembly session scheduled for 16 Oct 2024.

The NC won 42 seats in the assembly elections. Its allies, Congress and CPM, secured six and one seats, respectively. And with the support of five independent candidates and one AAP MLA, the NC-led alliance has a total of 55 seats.

The Lieutenant Governor has yet to decide on nominating five additional Assembly members. It is anticipated that his nominations may align with the central BJP-led government.

Meanwhile, the elected representatives now have increased control over local governance, reducing direct central government intervention.

Moreover, the legislative assembly can now reconvene to debate and pass laws specific to IIOJK. Although the assembly can vote on financial matters, all grants and appropriations need the LG’s approval.

Under the rule, the Lieutenant Governor maintains authority over crucial areas, including police, public order, and land management.

The first assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir since 2014 were held in three phases. The initial phase held on September 18 saw voting for 24 seats, followed by the second phase on September 25, covering 26 seats. The third phase, for the remaining 40 seats, occurred on October 1.