The Biz Reporter Exclusive
Srinagar, Oct 9:As the National Conference (NC)-Congress Alliance gears up to form the next government in Jammu and Kashmir, a significant challenge has emerged: the new cabinet can only include a maximum of 9 ministers. This limitation stems from the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, which caps the size of the Council of Ministers at 10 percent of the total number of Legislative Assembly members.
With the Assembly having 90 seats, only nine positions, including that of the Chief Minister, are available for the NC-Congress leadership to fill. This restriction places considerable pressure on the coalition as they navigate the task of selecting key figures to lead critical portfolios while maintaining regional and party balance.
Key Details of the Reorganisation Act
The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, implemented after the revocation of Article 370, mandates a smaller Council of Ministers compared to previous governments. The Chief Minister will be at the helm, and the council will aid and advise the Lieutenant Governor in legislative and executive matters, except in cases where the Governor is required to act independently, such as:
- Decisions falling outside the Legislative Assembly’s jurisdiction.
- Matters involving All India Services and the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
- Issues where the Lieutenant Governor must exercise judicial or quasi-judicial functions.
Coalition’s Narrow Path to Power
The NC-Congress Alliance, which secured a comfortable majority in the recent elections, now faces the tough task of choosing just nine ministers, while ensuring that the government remains regionally representative and politically stable. This has set off intense discussions within both parties, with leaders vying for these few coveted posts.
Muntazir Ahmad, a senior political analyst, emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “With such limited ministerial slots, the parties will need to carefully balance regional interests, party seniority, and expertise. This will likely fuel competition within the alliance, but the leadership has to prioritize governance.”
Lieutenant Governor’s Role
Despite the newly elected government’s power, the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Jammu and Kashmir will retain significant influence. Under the Reorganisation Act, the LG has discretionary powers in areas that do not fall under the purview of the Legislative Assembly, such as matters related to All India Services and law enforcement. The LG will also have the final say in instances of a difference of opinion between the Council of Ministers and themselves.
The Act further grants the LG the authority to appoint the Chief Minister and administer oaths of office to the Council of Ministers. Additionally, all executive actions of the Lieutenant Governor, whether based on ministerial advice or otherwise, must be carried out in the name of the LG.
Outlook for the New Government
While the NC-Congress Alliance celebrates its electoral victory, it must now focus on carefully crafting a lean but effective cabinet. As the Chief Minister prepares to work with the Lieutenant Governor and the newly formed Council of Ministers, both political observers and the public await key decisions that will shape the future governance of Jammu and Kashmir.
The government will also have to ensure collective responsibility to the Legislative Assembly, where the NC-Congress Alliance holds a majority. However, with the limitation on ministerial positions, many seasoned politicians and rising stars alike might find themselves without a portfolio, setting the stage for internal negotiations and possibly contention.
As Jammu and Kashmir enters this new political era, the people of the region are hopeful that the coalition will prioritize development and stability amid the unique governance framework that continues to shape the post-Article 370 landscape.
