Mehbooba Mufti’s resignation from the Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister post has paved the way for the imposition of Governor’s rule in the state. It is very unlikely that Omar Abdullah led National Conference and Mufti’s PDP will join hands with the Congress to form a tri-party coalition government in the state. Omar Abdullah has already gone on record to say that he has neither been approached nor has he approached any party for a probable coalition. The present J&K governor NN Vohra after consultation with the 4 prominent parties in the state has forwarded the report for imposing Governor’s rule in the state to the President of India. As per the latest reports, President has approved the imposition of Governor’s rule in the State.
Governor’s rule is imposed under Section 92 of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir. All seems to be set for Governor’s rule for the next six months in the state except for one small hitch. Governor N.N. Vohra’s term is set to end on June 27. It is unclear whether he will get another extension, considering this is already his second consecutive term and even if he does, will it be for five years or a brief three month period. Speculations in the political circles suggest that a new governor for the state might be on the cards.
Three names are being widely speculated for the post of governor in the state. With the imposition of Governor’s rule and the pitiable condition of law and order which exists today in the state, it will be a decisive post in the months to come. Here are the three names:
1.) Subramanian Swamy: BJP MP and senior leader Subramanian Swamy is one of the names being considered for the post. Subramanian Swamy is a hardcore nationalist and will go all in for backing the security forces, he is also well-versed in laws and rules and his sharp mind might come in handy in stabilizing Kashmir. Subramanian Swamy had in fact predicted the imposition of Governors’ rule weeks before BJP withdrew support. The only downside with Subramaniam Swamy’s appointment as the Governor is that it would make him lose focus on the other issues of national importance. From the National Herald case involving the Nehru-Gandhi family to the Ayodhya Ram Janmbhoomi Temple case, Subramaniam Swamy has single-handedly been a champion of all these causes. His appointment as the Governor will be great for the state but will prove detrimental in the broader national interest.
The way the trends are today, it appears the Ram Temple by October this year, Ram Setu as a national monument, TDK, Bambino, Bottle Goon, PC MC BC, cousin AC & Bahu, GST etc., in jail, J&K under Central Rule, and hence 300+ LS seats for BJP in May 2019
— Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) June 13, 2018
2.) General Syed Ata Hasnain: Next best candidate for the post might be General Syed Ata Hasnain, a retired Three-Star General of the Indian Army. He has worked extensively in Kashmir and had conceived and executed the renowned “Hearts Doctrine” which drastically improved the situations in the Kashmir. A fierce nationalist, he also has the added advantage of having served on ground zero. His insights will definitely help the armed forces in combating terrorists and separatists in Kashmir and cross border activities. He is also a popular face in the valley among the residents and enjoys the distinction of being a fierce combatant with terrorists and a warm hearted figure for the common masses. General Hasnain commanded the 19 Infantry Division in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, as a Major General, serving under the overall command of XV Corps. In 2010, he returned to the XV Corps in Kashmir as GOC, where he worked tirelessly to improve the security scenario in the state. His soft approach towards the people has been studied and widely appreciated by the Indian government as well. He was awarded the Military leadership of an exceptional order in 2013, his first civilian honour. He is already an important member of Track 2 diplomacy with Pakistan and is also a Visiting Fellow of the Vivekananda International Foundation, New Delhi. His past credentials and experience make him the perfectly suited candidate for the job.
3.) Major General Gagandeep Bakshi: Major General Gagandeep Bakshi is also being discussed for the post, a fierce nationalist and a firebrand leader. General G.D. Bakshi’s appointment as the governor would see an unmatched crackdown on the terrorists operating in and across the Kashmir valley. He has already faced many challenges on the Line of Control and has the knowledge of planning and execeuting counter-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.
Both General G.D. Bakshi and General Syed Ata Hasnain are equally suited for the job. The only difference between them is with the approach they are likely to take in order to counter the issues in the state. General Bakshi is likely to crush separatists with a heavy hand given a chance, and probably that is what India needs while General Hasnain would continue his soft military approach to the citizens while he wipes out terrorists.
The Central government is likely to take the final decision in a matter of a few days. The clouds surrounding this issue will clear soon. The post of governor is more important than ever today and the best suited man needs to be appointed as the man in charge of the Kashmir valley.