Key Role Awaiting Nominated MLAs in Jammu & Kashmir’s Government Formation

Srinagar: For the first time in Jammu & Kashmir’s political history, five nominated Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) will play a pivotal role in shaping the future government after a ten-year gap in the region’s governance.

These nominated MLAs will represent key groups—displaced persons from Kashmir and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (POJK)—and will enjoy full legislative rights and powers equivalent to those of elected members. Among the five, two will be representatives of the displaced Kashmiri community, one male and one female, while another will advocate for the POJK displaced group.

This development marks a significant milestone, as it addresses long-standing demands for representation from these marginalized communities. The inclusion of these voices in the assembly is seen as a major step toward addressing their unique challenges and ensuring their concerns are raised at the highest legislative level.

With the addition of these five nominated members, the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly will expand to 95 seats, thereby raising the majority threshold to 48 for government formation. The nomination process will be overseen by the Lieutenant Governor, following recommendations from the Home Ministry, and comes after a crucial amendment to the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, revised on July 26, 2023.

Political analysts have drawn parallels with Pondicherry’s legislative system, where a similar structure exists with nominated members. However, this is a new dynamic for Jammu & Kashmir, particularly after the dissolution of the region’s Legislative Council. The nominated MLAs are expected to be announced soon after the election results are declared on October 8, with the government likely forming by October 15.

This move is widely viewed as a step towards addressing the long-ignored grievances of displaced Kashmiri Pandits and POJK refugees, whose voices have historically been sidelined in mainstream politics. The process is expected to intensify political lobbying, with many influential figures from both the BJP and POJK regions vying for these coveted seats.

According to a senior BJP leader, the nomination process will commence immediately after the election results are finalized. “These nominated MLAs will hold full legislative powers, just like elected representatives. The government formation process will swiftly follow to ensure their participation in the new administration,” the leader commented.