Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Jammu & Kashmir
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
In the Indian constitutional system, Presidents Rule refers to a situation where the state government is dismissed and the central government takes direct control of the state administration. This usually happens when no party can form a stable government or governance cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution. In late 2018, one state saw the imposition of Presidents Rule after a period of Governors Rule. This question asks you to identify that state or union territory.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
To answer, you must recall recent political events in Indian states. Jammu and Kashmir had been under Governors Rule after the collapse of a coalition government. When the six month period of Governors Rule ended in December 2018 and no stable government could be formed, the state was placed under Presidents Rule. Other states listed in the options did not have Presidents Rule imposed in that specific period. By linking the timeline and the constitutional events in Jammu and Kashmir, you can identify the correct option.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that a coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir collapsed in 2018, leading to Governors Rule.
Step 2: Remember that after six months of Governors Rule, if no government is formed, Presidents Rule can follow.
Step 3: Note that this transition happened in December 2018 for Jammu and Kashmir.
Step 4: Check the options and find Jammu and Kashmir listed among them.
Step 5: Select Jammu and Kashmir as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
You can quickly verify by thinking of whether Haryana, Delhi, or Telangana faced similar constitutional events in December 2018. None of these experienced Presidents Rule at that time. Jammu and Kashmir was repeatedly mentioned in national news about the shift from Governors Rule to Presidents Rule just before the end of the year. This strong media coverage confirms that Jammu and Kashmir is the only correct choice from the options given.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Haryana: Normal elected government was in place and no Presidents Rule was imposed in December 2018.
Delhi: A union territory with a special status and an elected government, but no Presidents Rule was introduced then.
Telangana: Underwent elections and the return of a stable government in 2018, not Presidents Rule.
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse different forms of central control, such as Governors Rule, Presidents Rule, and situations of suspended assemblies. Others may vaguely remember unrest or elections in several states and mix up which state had Presidents Rule and when. To avoid these problems, connect each constitutional development with a clear time frame and state. For Jammu and Kashmir, remember the sequence of coalition government collapse, Governors Rule, and then Presidents Rule in December 2018.
Final Answer:
Presidents Rule was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir in December 2018.
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