SRINAGAR: Hectic efforts are on to avert constitutional crisis and install a new Chief Minister in Jammu and Kashmir, where Governor N N Vohra will have no option but to impose Governors rules if decision is not taken about the new name to head the coalition Government in the State.
The council of ministers ceased to exist now with the death of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in AIIMS, New Delhi yesterday.
Though the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLAs have already appointed Mehbooba Mufti to head the new government in Jammu and Kashmir, its coalition partner in the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed led government has yet to take a final decision.
However, the BJP MLAs and other party leaders are meeting today to take the final call though the party has already announced to support the candidate which will be announced by the PDP.
Sources said that the name of Mehbooba Mufti has been okayed by both PDP and BJP.
However, the decision about the portfolios has not yet been taken which has delayed the announcement from BJP.
Sources said that Mehbooba Mufti, still in a shock, was not in favour of taking over as Chief Minister of the state before the four-day fateha of her father, who was laid to rest at Bijbehara last evening.
Experts said that under the J&K constitution the Governor can impose Governors rule in the state for six months in case of Constitutional crisis .
Under the Constitution when head of the council of ministers in the state ceases to exist for whatever reason, the council also ceases to exist.
The BJP MLAs and leaders are meeting to finally approve the name of Mehbooba Mufti. However, Ram Madav could not reach here, BJP sources said adding he will be arriving here any time.
Mr Madav had played an important role in the installation of PDP-BJP coalition government in the state, where fractured mandate was given by the people during 2014 general elections.
However, PDP emerged single largest party with 28 seats followed by BJP 25, all from Jammu region. Despite unconditional support offered by National Conference (NC) and Congress, PDP joined hands with BJP saying that people have not granted mandate to both the parties (NC-Cong).
If appointed as Chief Mnister, Mehbooba Mufti will be the third person to take oath after the death of Chief minister in the State.
In 1971, when Ghulam Mohammad Sadiq, a Congress Chief Minister passed away, Syed Mir Qasim was sworn in as Chief Minister to avert the constitutional crisis.
In 1982, when similar situation arised after the death of NC founder and then Chief Minister Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, his son Farooq Abdullah was sworn in. (AGENCIES)
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