President’s rule lifted in Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah set to form new government

President’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir has been lifted following National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah's claim to form a new government. The Union Home Ministry issued a gazette notification tonight, officially revoking central rule that has been in effect since October 31, 2019, when Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into Union territories.

The notification, signed by President Droupadi Murmu, states that the order related to Jammu and Kashmir's Union Territory will be revoked immediately before the appointment of the Chief Minister, as per the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. This decision follows the NC's victory in the assembly elections, where it secured 42 seats, with its pre-poll allies Congress and CPM winning six and one seats, respectively. The alliance now boasts a total of 55 seats, thanks to the support of five independent candidates and a lone AAP MLA.

Omar Abdullah, who previously served as Chief Minister from 2009 to 2014, is poised to reclaim the position. The assembly session is scheduled for Wednesday, marking a significant step toward re-establishing elected governance in the region, which has been without an elected government since June 2018. The central rule was imposed after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) withdrew its support from the PDP-led government, leading to the resignation of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

The lifting of President’s rule enables the assembly to reconvene, allowing local representatives to debate and pass laws tailored to the region. While the Lieutenant Governor retains executive control over critical areas such as police, public order, and land management, the move significantly reduces the central government's direct intervention, enhancing local governance.