Governor's rule in J&K crucial to restore democracy: Jitendra

Union Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh today said that Governor's rule in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is important "to restore democracy".
"Governor's rule does not mean that it will be there permanently, it is also a process of democracy. Sometimes wars are fought to restore peace in the same way sometimes governor rules are imposed to restore democracy," he said at a function organized by Panun Kashmir, an outfit of Kashmiri Pandits here.
In another event here, newly-elected BJP MLA from Billawar Nirmal Singh held former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah responsible for Governor's rule in the state.

"As Omar Abdullah refused to continue as the caretaker Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Governor's rule was imposed in the state which otherwise would have been imposed only after January 18," he told reporters.
The leader said that even though BJP is in touch with other parties regarding government formation, it might take a bit longer to form the next government in the state.
"The party leadership is in touch with other parties and the channels of dialogue are open. We want to form a government with like minded parties who accept our ideology," he said.

"As the Governor's rule is in place, we will take time to form the government in the state," Nirmal added.

The state was placed under Governor's rule following failure of PDP, which emerged as the single-largest party with 28 seats, and BJP with 25 seats in the 87-member Assembly failing to cobble up the required numbers to take a shot at government formation. National Conference won 15 seats and Congress 12 in the results announced on December 23.
The decision was also prompted by Omar Abdullah who refused to continue as caretaker Chief Minister on the ground that the state needs a full-time administrator.