New Jammu & Kashmir Governor Likely to be Appointed, Ex-Home Secy Rajiv Mehrishi Among Top Contenders to Replace NN Vohra: Report
The Centre is reportedly disappointed with Governor Vohra due to the latter's dissent on 'BJP's attempts to form a new government' in the state without conducting fresh elections.
New Delhi, July 31: The Centre is reportedly disappointed with the performance of NN Vohra, the incumbent Governor of Jammu & Kashmir. According to reports, Vohra is unlikely to be granted another term. Among top contenders for his replacement, include former home secretary and current Comptroller and Auditor General Rajiv Mehrishi.
Home Ministry officials while speaking to NDTV on the condition of anonymity claim Vohra and the BJP-led Centre are "unable to see eye to eye" on certain decisions, which include the "formation of a new government" in the state.
The report claims that the BJP, which is the second largest party in J&K assembly, is looking to form a government with aid from PDP rebels.
The purported move is reminiscent to what the Congress had enacted in 1984, when Governor Jagmohan dismissed the Farooq Abdullah government and appointed GM Shah as the chief minister.
Vohra, who has presided over as the J&K Governor since 2008, considers this period to be inappropriate for forming a new government, the report claims.
Apart from his apprehension on government formation, Vohra has also marked his dissent to the Centre against the latter's contemplation of abrogating Article 35-A, which defines the "permanent residents" of Jammu & Kashmir and bars others from investing into the state.
Vohra reportedly wrote to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, asking him to not to make any amendments to the law till a popular government is elected post fresh elections.
The report claims that Vohra does not intend to end up like Jagmohan, "one of the most disliked constitutional figure" in the Kashmir Valley. Unlike his predecessors, Vohra enjoys a significant amount of credibility among the local populace and regional parties.
After the BJP pulled out of the government with PDP last month, former CM Omar Abdullah pitched for the state to be ruled by the Governor till fresh elections are conducted. "We trust Vohra ji. He is an able administrator and should continue at the helm till fresh elections are conducted," he had said.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 31, 2018 06:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).