NEW DELHI/ITANAGAR, Jan 24:
The Union Cabinet today recommended imposition of President’s rule in Congress-ruled Arunachal Pradesh, which is rocked by political turmoil, in a move that could have major political ramifications.
Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet at an unscheduled meeting this morning took the decision to recommend imposition of President’s Rule in the northeast State, official sources said in Delhi.
It is learnt that the Cabinet also recommended that the State Assembly be kept under suspended animation. The decision came at a time when Supreme Court is hearing petitions on the political crisis.
The decision drew stinging condemnation from the opposition with Congress alleging democracy was being trampled and that Modi was “fountainhead” of political intolerance while a shocked Chief Minister Nabam Tuki said such a decision in a sensitive border State was “unprecedented” and “unacceptable”.
Accusing the Modi Government of trying to destabilize a State bordering China, Congress leader Kapil Sibal also said the party will challenge in court the Cabinet decision if it gets presidential assent.
Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal expressed “shock” over the Cabinet decision, saying it is “murder” of the country’s Constitution.
“This is really shocking as the Centre did not consult the State Government before taking such a harsh decision. Arunachal is absolutely peaceful without even a single case of law and order breakdown reported in the last month,” Tuki said in Itanagar.
Governor Jyoti Prashad Rajkhowa recommended Central rule without consulting the State cabinet at a time when several cases are sub-judice in the Supreme Court, he said.
“There is no Constitutional crisis in the State as recommended by the Governor. Whatever crisis is there it is his (Governor’s) creation,” Tuki said, adding he enjoyed full support from all the Cabinet Ministers.
“With only a day left for Republic Day celebration, such decision will dampen the democratic spirit of the State’s people who are zealously guarding the border with China.”
Defending the Centre’s move, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said it is a constitutional process because the Assembly did not hold its session for more than 6 months.
“And this year on January 21, the six months time has completed. President’s Rule could have been imposed immediately but the matter is sub-judice and the decision is pending in the Supreme Court. But the time frame of six months have exceeded. We do not have any role in the recommendation of President’s Rule because it is a Constitutional process.”
The Congress MLAs who revolted against Tuki welcomed the Cabinet decision with Pasang Dorjee, a legislator and spokesman of the rebel group, saying they were ready to form an alternative Government with the support of BJP and others.
Arunachal Pradesh was rocked by a political crisis on December 16 last year as 21 rebel Congress MLAs joined hands with 11 of BJP and two Independents to ‘impeach’ Assembly Speaker Nabam Rebia at a makeshift venue, in a move branded as “illegal and unconstitutional” by the Speaker. (PTI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel