Jammu and Kashmir AAP MLA Withdraws Support from National Conference Government

Withdrawal of Support by AAP MLA

In Jammu and Kashmir, the sole legislator from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Meharaj Malik, has decided to withdraw his support from the National Conference-led government. However, this move is unlikely to impact the government significantly, as the National Conference-Congress coalition holds a majority. Within the 90-seat assembly, the National Conference has 42 members, while Congress has six, along with support from five independent legislators.

Statement from Meharaj Malik

Malik announced his decision on social media, stating, "I, Meharaj Malik, the MLA from Doda, am withdrawing my support for the NC in the government coalition. This decision has been made in the best interest of my people in Jammu and Kashmir, whose trust and welfare will always be my top priority." He made history last year by defeating BJP's Gajay Singh Rana by a margin of 4,538 votes in the Doda assembly elections, becoming AAP's first and only victorious candidate from the region.

Tourist Sites to Reopen Gradually

On Saturday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced that tourist sites that were closed for security reasons following the attack in Pahalgam on April 22 will be reopened in phases. He mentioned that some destinations will start welcoming visitors again from June 17. Sinha explained, "Due to security concerns after the April 22 attack, certain locations were shut down. The divisional commissioners and police inspectors from both Kashmir and Jammu have compiled reports from each district, leading to the decision to gradually reopen some sites."