Even as the Omar Abdullah-led government prepares to present its second Budget beginning February 2, the National Conference (NC)-led dispensation has yet to appoint a Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, triggering political debate and opposition criticism.
The Omar Abdullah government, supported by the Congress, CPI(M), and Independents, assumed office on October 16, 2024. Nearly fourteen months after the formation of this regime, the key constitutional position of Deputy Speaker remains vacant, with the opposition—particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—seeking clarity on the delay.
After the October 2024 Assembly elections, the BJP emerged as the principal opposition party with 29 seats.
As per long-standing legislative convention, the Deputy Speaker's post is usually allotted to the largest opposition party, enabling it to play a meaningful role in Assembly proceedings. On this basis, the BJP has been expecting its nominee to be appointed.
As reported earlier, BJP leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have raised concerns over the delay and urged the government to adhere to parliamentary traditions. Party sources said informal communications have been made to the ruling dispensation, but no definitive response has been received so far.
"The post of Deputy Speaker is important for the smooth functioning of the Assembly. It is an established convention that the position goes to the principal opposition party. Since the BJP holds that status, the appointment should be made without further delay," a senior BJP leader told the International Business Times, requesting anonymity.
The leader added that appointing a Deputy Speaker from the opposition would send a positive political signal and could also help the NC-led government foster better coordination with the Centre.
Keeping in view the strained relations between the principal opposition and the ruling party, the Omar Abdullah government has not issued any official statement on the matter. The ruling National Conference is weighing its options carefully, given the sensitive and complex political environment in Jammu and Kashmir.
No constitutional obligation to immediately appoint Dy Speaker
As there is no constitutional mandate requiring the immediate appointment of a Deputy Speaker, the prolonged delay—nearly 14 months after the formation of the government—has fuelled speculation about possible political calculations. Some analysts suggest the NC may be deliberately delaying the decision to limit the BJP's influence in the House.
With the Budget session approaching and the BJP continuing to press its claim, the issue of the Deputy Speaker's appointment is expected to gain further prominence in the coming weeks.
Until a decision is taken, the Legislative Assembly will continue to function without a Deputy Speaker, adding another layer of political uncertainty to the Union Territory's governance.
"The Deputy Speaker's position is crucial for the smooth functioning of the Assembly. It is a well-established precedent that the post goes to the principal opposition party, and since the BJP holds that position, we expect the government to make the appointment without further delay," the BJP leader said.
He added that appointing a Deputy Speaker from the opposition would send a positive message and could help the NC government build a better relationship with the Centre.
As the ruling National Conference has not dropped any hint to give the Deputy Speaker's post to the opposition party, the BJP leadership has also maintained a guarded silence on this issue.
Instead of publicly raising this issue, the party leadership is waiting for the next move of the ruling National Conference.
