December 28
The Home Minister of India, Rajnath Singh on Friday told the Lok Sabha that the government was prepared for elections in Jammu Kashmir at any time
He added that if the Election Commission would decide to hold polls, the Home Ministry would offer requisite security for the conduct of free and fair polls.
Earlier, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor faulted Jammu Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik for recommending Governor’s rule instead of a floor test, Taking a dig at the BJP, he added that the previous BJP-PDP government was an “artificial marriage”.
Rajnath Singh defended the Governor saying there seemed to be no clear move on the part of any potential alliance to stake claim to form the government.
He said that in June then Governor N.N. Vohra had written to the President that the BJP had no intention to form the government after withdrawing support to the PDP.
“Governor’s rule was imposed but the Assembly was not dissolved so that another alliance could form the government. But no political party staked a claim and the Governor had to send his report for President’s rule,” Singh said.
National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, however, said that the PDP was willing to form a government and the NC, and even the Congress, had agreed to support them.
He added, “Some said they want to meet secessionist leaders. They went and had to return. I don’t want to discuss that here.”