War of words over JK assembly dissolution : Guv defends, others say ‘constitution violated, democracy debunked’

Srinagar: A day after dissolving the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Governor Satya Pal Malik Thursday defended his action on dissolution of state assembly but leaders of political parties both in Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir said that the dissolution of assembly is a decision taken in contravention of the constitution and against the spirit of democracy.
Barely twelve hours after suspending the assembly Governor Satya Pal Malik said that he acted in the state’s interest and according to its constitution. Addressing a press conference in winter capital Jammu and Kashmir said “a lot of horse trading was happening, , adding that he would not allow a government by defections. “I acted according to the constitution of Jammu and Kashmir and dissolved the state assembly in the state’s interest. “The governor said he wanted polls to take place in the state and an elected government to function. Wednesday was Eid, he said when asked about the fax not working in the Raj Bhavan, resulting in his office not receiving the PDP’s letter staking claim to form government as well as the NC’s letter of support”.
Governor also said that NC’s Omar Abullah and PDP’s Mehbooba Mufti should know that offices are closed that day. The governor abruptly dissolved the state assembly Wednesday night, hours after the PDP staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival NC and the Congress. This was followed by another bid from the two-member People’s Conference which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 legislators from other parties.