Srinagar, November 21: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday dissolved the state assembly moments after the People's Democratic Party (PDP) staked claim to form a government with support from the National Conference and the Congress. Following the dissolution of the assembly, no party can stake claim to form the government.

Earlier today, PDP chief and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti wrote a letter to the Governor staking claim to form a government in the state. In its letter, the PDP claimed to have the support of 56 MLAs which include legislators from the National Conference (NC) and the Congress. This was countered by Sajjad Lone, who also wrote to the Governor staking claim to form the government with BJP's backing. He claimed the support of 18 MLAs including few from the PDP, besides the 25-strong BJP, contending that it was more than the required number for the majority.

A popular government headed by the PDP's Mehbooba Mufti fell when its partner BJP withdrew support from the ruling coalition on June 16. The state is currently under governor’s rule which cannot be extended after it completes its six-month period on December 19. It is proposed to impose President’s rule thereafter. The state assembly had been under suspended animation during Governor's rule. Suspended animation of the assembly means the elected MLAs remain in office and legislative assembly continues to exist without the power of legislation. Why Governor's rule is imposed in Jammu and Kashmir before President's rule.

Since the Governor has dissolved the assembly, elections must be held within six months. The state will come under the President's Rule as mandated by the Constitution of India as per Article 356 after the expiry of the Governor's rule on December 19.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 21, 2018 09:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).