Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik. (Photo/PTI)
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has defended his move to dissolve the state Assembly amid race between rival parties to stake claim to form government. Governor Malik said he dissolved the Assembly considering four main aspects, including 'extensive horse-trading' and the 'impossibility' of forming a stable government by coming together of political parties with 'opposing political ideologies'.
In a statement issued by the Raj Bhavan, Governor Malik said there were reports of extensive horse-trading and possible exchange of money in order to secure support from legislators.
"The impossibility of forming a stable government by the coming together of political parties with opposing political ideologies including some which have been demanding dissolution of the Assembly; whereas the experience of the past few years shows that with the fractured mandate that is there in the Assembly, it is not possible to form a stable government comprising of like minded parties. The coming together of such parties in a grouping is nothing but an attempt to gain power rather than to form a responsive government," the statement said.
"Reports of extensive horse-trading and possible exchange of money in order to secure the support of legislators belonging to widely diverging political ideologies just to be able to form a government. Such activities are not healthy for democracy and vitiate the political process," it added.
Fresh polls best option: BJP
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has backed the Governor's action and suggested hosting fresh polls at the earliest.
The BJP said on Twitter that the border state cannot afford horse-trading and instability keeping its security scenario in mind.
"The proposed alliance between the Congress and the PDP broke up even before it was formed. They have taken contradictory positions on dissolution. One supports it and the other opposes it," the saffron party said.
Idea of grand alliance gave BJP jitters: Mehbooba Mufti
Former chief minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti said that the BJP got jitters by the idea of grand alliance in Jammu and Kashmir.
Former chief minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said Governor Satyapal Malik's decision to dissolve the assembly "cannot be a coincidence" as it came within minutes of Mehbooba Mufti staking claim to form the government.
WATCH: Dissolved House to prevent horse trading, says J-K Governor Satya Pal Malik
"In my twenty six year old career as a politician, I thought I had seen it all! But like they say never say never! Nevertheless, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to @OmarAbdullah and @Ambikasoni4 ji for helping us achieve the seemingly impossible," Mehbooba Mufti tweeted.
Mufti also raised questions over her letter of staking claim to form government not being received at the Governor's House due to 'technical glitch'.
"In today's age of technology, it is very strange that the fax machine at HE Governor's residence didn't receive our fax but swiftly issued one regarding the assembly dissolution."
WATCH: J-K Governor dissolves Assembly
