J&K Elections 2024: Controversy Over Kingmaker Role in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections

In Jammu and Kashmir, most exit polls are indicating a hung assembly, raising the stakes for five members who will be nominated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to play a potential kingmaker role. This situation has sparked significant controversy, particularly from the Congress and National Conference, who have openly opposed the proposal for these nominations.

The Lieutenant Governor is expected to make these appointments before the assembly's first sitting, granting the nominated members voting rights in the confidence motion. Sources from ABP suggest that the nominations will include a woman, a refugee from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), two displaced Kashmiris, and one other individual, with 5-6 names being considered for each category.

The process for these nominations is anticipated to be completed by this evening or tomorrow. The potential nominees include:

Sanjita Dogra - President of the Women's Wing, granddaughter of Pandit Prem Nath Dogra, associated with the Janata Sangh movement.
Sunil Sethi - A prominent lawyer and spokesperson for the Jammu and Kashmir BJP.
Ashok Kaul - BJP's organizational secretary in Jammu and Kashmir and a Kashmiri Pandit.
Rajni Seth - A BJP worker, former president of the Women's Wing, and spokesperson in Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr. Farida - A social activist and secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir BJP.