Srinagar: In a historic shift for Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, five nominated Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are set to play a crucial role in shaping the region’s next government, marking a new chapter in its governance after a decade-long gap. This is the first time in the region’s history that nominated members, representing Kashmiri displaced persons and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) communities, will hold full legislative powers.
Among the five nominated MLAs, two will represent displaced Kashmiri Pandits—one man and one woman—while one seat will be reserved for a representative from the POJK displaced community. Their inclusion is seen as a major step forward in addressing the long-standing demand for representation of these marginalized groups in the legislative assembly.
The newly expanded Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly will now include 95 members, with the majority threshold increasing to 48 seats to form a government. These nominations will be made by the Lieutenant Governor on the recommendation of the Home Ministry, following recent amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, and a further revision made in July 2023.
Political analysts have drawn parallels between this new arrangement and the legislative structure of Puducherry, where nominated MLAs already exist. The move comes after the abolishment of Jammu and Kashmir’s Legislative Council (MLC), and the final nominations are expected to take place soon after vote counting concludes on October 8. Political insiders suggest that the new government could be formed by October 15.
The decision to nominate representatives of Kashmiri migrants and POJK displaced persons is widely viewed as an effort to address the specific concerns of these communities. Many believe that this inclusion will finally give displaced Kashmiri Pandits, who fled the Valley in 1990, a direct voice in the legislative process.
Unsurprisingly, lobbying has intensified, with several influential figures, including veterans from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and prominent leaders from the POJK region, vying for these coveted nominations. A senior BJP leader, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the nomination process will begin soon after election results are announced. “These nominated MLAs will hold the same rights and privileges as elected members, and their inclusion in the next government will happen swiftly,” he stated.
