After deciding to vacate the Budgam Assembly seat, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has officially announced that he will be representing the Ganderbal constituency. He expressed his gratitude towards the people of Budgam and promised to continue working for them over the next five years. This move marks the end of the six-year period when J&K didn't have an Assembly and the NC, with support from other parties, will continue to hold the majority in the 95-member Assembly.
Omar Abdullah to Represent Ganderbal Constituency, Vacating Budgam Seat
On August 18, 2014, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah officially announced his decision to vacate the Budgam Assembly seat and represent the Ganderbal constituency instead. This move marks the end of a six-year period during which Jammu and Kashmir did not have an Assembly.
Background
The National Conference (NC), led by Omar Abdullah, had won a majority of seats in the 2008 Assembly elections. However, the Assembly was dissolved in 2009 due to allegations of corruption and electoral fraud. Fresh elections were scheduled for 2014.
In the lead-up to the 2014 elections, Abdullah had hinted that he might not contest from the Budgam constituency, which he had represented since 2002. He was reportedly considering Ganderbal, a constituency where the NC had a strong support base.
Reason for Vacating Budgam Seat
Abdullah has not officially stated the reasons for his decision to vacate the Budgam seat. However, some analysts believe that it may be due to the fact that he is facing a strong challenge from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Budgam. The PDP is the main opposition party in Jammu and Kashmir and is seen as a potential threat to the NC's hold on power.
Significance of the Move
Abdullah's decision to vacate the Budgam seat and represent Ganderbal is a significant move for both the NC and Jammu and Kashmir. It marks the end of a six-year period when the state did not have an Assembly. The move also demonstrates Abdullah's confidence in the NC's ability to hold onto power in the upcoming elections.
FAQs
Q1. Why did Omar Abdullah decide to vacate the Budgam Assembly seat? A1. Abdullah has not officially stated his reasons, but analysts speculate that it may be due to a strong challenge from the PDP in Budgam.
Q2. Why did the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly get dissolved in 2009? A2. The Assembly was dissolved in 2009 due to allegations of corruption and electoral fraud.
Q3. What is the significance of Abdullah's decision to represent Ganderbal? A3. Abdullah's decision marks the end of a six-year period when Jammu and Kashmir did not have an Assembly. It also demonstrates his confidence in the NC's ability to hold onto power in the upcoming elections.
Q4. Which party is the main opposition to the NC in Jammu and Kashmir? A4. The People's Democratic Party (PDP) is the main opposition party to the NC in Jammu and Kashmir.
Q5. When are the next Assembly elections scheduled to take place in Jammu and Kashmir? A5. The next Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to take place in 2014.
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