Jammu & Kashmir Polls: How 5 LG-Nominated MLAs Could Dramatically Shift the Balance for BJP in a Hung Assembly Verdict

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections have concluded, marking the first polls in the union territory since 2014. The three-phase election for 90 seats wrapped up on October 1, with results set to be announced on October 8. In a significant development, Jammu and Kashmir’s BJP Vice-President, Sofi Yusuf, announced that the five MLAs to be nominated by the Lieutenant Governor will be from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), aiming to boost their legislative influence. This decision has been criticized by the Congress, which argues that these nominations could undermine the democratic mandate.

The nominations are part of provisions in the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, allowing for representation of Kashmiri Pandits, PoJK refugees, and women, expanding the assembly to 95 seats. While exit polls predict a tight contest, the NC-Congress alliance is expected to secure 35-50 seats, while the BJP might win 20-32 seats. Independent candidates could play a pivotal role, possibly affecting the PDP, projected to gain 4-12 seats. With the potential for a hung assembly, the nominated seats could become decisive in forming the government, leading to concerns about maintaining democratic norms. The Congress has urged the Lieutenant Governor to wait for the council of ministers’ advice before proceeding with nominations, stressing the importance of respecting the electoral mandate.

Original Story https://www.news18.com/elections/jammu-and-kashmir-polls-5-nominated-mlas-a-gamechanger-for-bjp-in-case-of-hung-assembly-verdict-9076591.html
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