New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, which was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has decided to extend the President’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir for six more months with effect from 3 July, 2019. The decision was announced by Information and Broadcasting Minister, Prakash Javadekar. The State is under President’s rule since 20 June, 2018.
The decision was taken under Article 356(4) of the Constitution and the Governor’s report about the condition of the State.
The Jammu and Kashmir Governor, Satya Pal Malik, had met the senior leaders of the BJP and the government and also held long discussions with Union Home Minister, Amit Shah.
The Election Commission had earlier said that the Assembly elections in the State will be held once the Amarnath Yathra. The EC has since said that it will monitor the situation in the valley.
The decision to extend the President’s rule comes after Amit Shah is considering the delimiting of the constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, a long overdue process considered important to bring in more representation for certain areas that are left behind.
The Governor had dissolved the Assembly on 21 November, 2018, after PDP along with Congress and National Conference staked claim to form the government.
