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| 100 days on, no decision yet on leaving Deputy Speaker post for BJP | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Jan 29: Despite the completion of 100 days in office, the Omar Abdullah-led Jammu and Kashmir government has yet to take a decision on appointing the Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. The delay has sparked discussions, particularly as the post, by convention, is reserved for the principal opposition party.
The National Conference (NC)-led government, which took oath on October 16, 2024, completed its 100-day milestone on January 24. However, the crucial position of Deputy Speaker remains vacant, leaving the opposition, particularly the BJP, awaiting clarity on the matter.
Following the recently concluded Assembly elections, the BJP emerged as the principal opposition party by securing 29 seats. As per legislative norms and past precedents, the Deputy Speaker’s post is typically assigned to the largest opposition party, giving it a key role in Assembly proceedings. Given its numerical strength, the BJP has been expecting the appointment of its nominee to the post.
BJP leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have expressed concerns over the delay, urging the government to adhere to established parliamentary traditions. Party insiders suggest that they have been informally communicating with the government regarding the matter but have received no concrete response so far.
“The Deputy Speaker’s position is a crucial part of the Assembly’s functioning. It is a well-established precedent that the post goes to the principal opposition party, and since the BJP holds that position, we expect the government to make The delay has sparked discussions, particularly as the post, by convention, is reserved for the principal opposition party.
Given its numerical strength, the BJP has been expecting the appointment of its nominee to the post.
BJP insiders suggest that they have been informally communicating with the government regarding the matter.
Omar Abdullah led government has remained tight-lipped on the issue, issuing no statement on the delay.
Wishing anonymity, the BJP leader said leaving the Deputy Speaker’s post for the opposition party would send a positive message and this decision would help the NC government develop cordial relations with the Centre.
The Omar Abdullah government has remained tight-lipped on the issue, offering no official statement on the delay. Political analysts believe that the ruling dispensation could be weighing its options, considering the sensitive political dynamics of Jammu and Kashmir.
While there is no constitutional obligation to appoint a Deputy Speaker immediately, the absence of a decision even after 100 days has led to speculation about possible political maneuvering. Some experts believe that the delay could be a strategic move by the ruling NC to avoid giving the BJP a prominent role in the Assembly’s functioning.
With the BJP is hoping to secure the post and the government yet to take a final call, uncertainty looms over the Deputy Speaker’s appointment. The issue is likely to gain further traction in the coming weeks, especially as the Assembly sessions continue and the need for a Deputy Speaker becomes more pressing.
Observers suggest that the government may eventually make the appointment but could be waiting for a politically opportune moment to do so. Until then, the BJP’s wait continues, and the legislative process in Jammu and Kashmir remains without a Deputy Speaker, adding another layer of political complexity to the region’s governance. |
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