Dr Ravinder K Jangral
Floods have been a recurrent phenomenon in India and cause huge losses to lives, properties, livelihood systems, infrastructure and public ut‘ilities. The National Weather Service of India defines a flash flood as “A rapid and extreme flow of high water into a normally dry area, or a rapid rise in a stream or creek above a predetermined flood level, beginning within six hours of the causative event (e.g., intense rainfall, dam failure, ice jam). India’s high risk and vulnerability is reflected by the fact that 40 million hectares out of a geographical area of 3290 lakh hectares is prone to floods. As per the National Disaster Management Guidelines, 2008, on an average every year, 75 lakh hectares of land is affected, 1600 lives are lost and the damage caused to crops, houses and public utilities is Rs. 1805 crores due to floods. The maximum number of lives (11,316) were lost in the year 1977. The frequency of major floods is more than once in five years. Even the areas which were not prone to flood have observed floods in recent times. Eighty per cent of the precipitation takes place in the monsoon months from June to September. The rivers bring heavy sediment load from the catchments. These, coupled with inadequate carrying capacity of the rivers are responsible for causing floods, drainage congestion and erosion of river-banks. Cyclones, cyclonic circulations and cloud bursts cause flash floods and lead to huge losses. The fact that some of the rivers causing damage in India originate in neighboring countries adds another complex dimension to the problem.
Floods are one of the most common hazards in the India. However, all floods are not alike. Riverine floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. Flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes, without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries a deadly cargo of rocks, mud and other debris and can sweep away most things in its path. Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as when anembankmentis breached, but still can be destructive. Flooding can also occur from a dam break producing effects similar to flash floods. Flood effects can be very local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, effecting entire river basins and multiple states. Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood.
Jammu and Kashmir is having a long history of Natural disasters. The state has witnessed many natural disasters especially in the 19th and early 20th century. Owing to its peculiar topography, rugged terrain, extreme weather conditions and above all an underdeveloped economy especially a poor road and communication network, the State has suffered a lot on account of both life and property in the past. Flash floods, short lived extreme events, which usually occur under slowly moving or stationary thunderstorms, lasting less than 24 hours are a common disaster in the state.Glacial melting due to Global warming is another major cause of flash floods. The major glaciers in the higher mountains are receding at an alarming rate.Glaciers in Jammu and Kashmir are receding at a faster rate compared to other glacial regions in the world. In Suru basin alone, we have lost about 16% of glaciers in the last 40 years. Similarly, we have lost 18% of the Kolhai glacier, the main source of drinking water and irrigation in the valley, during the same period. Climate change is likely to affect a number of sectors, particularly irrigated agriculture, and horticulture and hydropower capacity in the state. Both parts of Kashmir face the risk of higher frequency of floods and increased threat to hydropower development.
Besides , Kashmir has been witnessing drastic decrease in the snowfall. This reduction in snowfall together with the fast receding glaciers has resulted in water scarcity for irrigation and hydropower generation in some seasons. The data shows that the magnitude and frequency of flooding has increased in the valley during the last few decades. Coupled with the unplanned urbanization and mismanagement of the Jhelum floodplains, the situation is going to be alarming in near future. One can well imagine the future scenario, with most of the wetlands that used to act as sponge during flooding, being urbanized and converted into concrete landscape. Over 300 BW people were killed and property worth crores was damaged in the recent flash floods and cloudbursts in Jammu and Kashmir. As many as 234 people died in Leh and 424 were seriously injured, Rajouri district in Jammu division witnessed 20 deaths followed by Reasi (11), Anantnag (10), Kathua and Poonch (7 each), Doda and Baramulla (5 each), Jammu, Udhampurand Kargil (2 each) and Budgam and Shopian (one each). Baramulla suffered a loss of Rs 61 crore in agricultural sector and Rs 58.22 crore in the horticulture sector, the highest economic loss in the state. Shopian suffered a loss of Rs 10.35 crore in the horticulture sector. In the border district of Kupwara, damage caused due to floods is estimated by the government to be around Rs 75.40 crore.
The most recent floods that hit major parts of Jammu and Kashmir have brought the toll list above hundred and several being injured. Major road, bridges and connecting roads have got damaged thereby making the rescue operations even difficult. Many families have become homeless and have suffered huge economic as well as social loss. The article envisages knowing more about the preparedness against pre, during and post flood conditions.
Mitigation measures to minimize or prevent the onset of floods are the need of hour. Construction of embankments, periodic cleaning of natural water storage, construction of retention basins (ring bunds) and construction on elevated areas in flood prone areas can be successful mitigation measures against floods. Apart, some dams can also be constructed which can be used as temporary storing space which will reduce the chances of lower plains getting flooded.
Capacity development activities proposed by NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) can be categorized into three phases. First phase include identification and marking of flood prone areas on maps, preparation of close contour and flood vulnerability maps, formulating plans for expansion and modernization of flood forecasting and warning systems, identification of priority flood protection and drainage improvement works, identification of reservoirs for review and modification of operation manuals and rule curves and undertaking special studies on problems of river erosion. Second phaseinclude implementation of the schemes for expansion and modernization of the flood forecasting and warning network, execution of flood protection and drainage improvement schemes, modification and adoption of revised reservoirThese include implementation of the schemes for expansion and modernization of the flood forecasting and warning network, execution of flood protection and drainage improvement schemes, modification and adoption of revised reservoir. Third phase include Implementation of activities, which include construction of dams and catchment area treatment (CAT) works in India as well as neighboring countries, is likely to take considerable time as they entail major environmental, social, inter-state and international implications.
Jammu & Kashmir State was amongst the first few states of the Indian Union to enact legislations for Natural Calamities. The Jammu & Kashmir Natural Calamities Destroyed Areas Improvement Act 1955 was enacted for improvement of towns, villages and other areas destroyed by natural calamities in the State. From time to time many amendments and modifications have been made. However, it was with the enactment of the National Disaster Management Act 2005, that many initiatives have been launched in Jammu & Kashmir State as well. These initiatives have been taken in order to minimize damage to life and property due to natural disasters. The State Disaster Management Authority has already been constituted under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister. Similarly, the State Executive Committee under the State Chief Secretary has also been constituted. The District Disaster Management Authorities under the respective District Collectors too have been formulated. As a maiden endeavor under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Natural Disaster Management for training and capacity building, a Disaster Management Centre has been established in the Administrative Training Institute of the State in the year 2001.
(The author is lecturer in Environmental Sciences)
Phenomenon of floods
No free for bureaucrats
Foreign visit is a cherished dream of our bureaucrats. They enjoy many perks when proceeding on foreign visits which they generally make as official. There are standing rules and norms which need to be fulfilled by a bureaucrat when visiting abroad. But the PMO has found that these rules are not strictly adhering to by the bureaucratic establishment. As such the PMO has issued fresh instructions according to which any bureaucrat intending to visit a foreign country has to complete many formalities and get clearance from the Screening Committee instituted by the PMO in consultation with the MEA and MHA. The process has been made strict and rather cumbersome.
This decision seems to have been taken in view of misuse of various facilities provided by the rules for bureaucrats visiting abroad. After all it is a burden on the public exchequer and the Government cannot allow irregularities to take place where there is large scale financial involvement. Austerity is the hallmark of good governance. Previously hardly any bureaucrat thought of fulfilling all the formalities before actually proceeding on a foreign trip.
The bureaucrats should have no grudge against the Government for introducing new rules for them when intending to travel abroad. We are not going to count the irregularities they have been indulging in because what has happened in the past cannot be reversed. But for future, we believe the Union Government intends to implement the new instructions with all of its seriousness. This is a step in the interests of the country and is welcome to general public even if a handful of officials may be disgusted with it. More nationalists among the echelons of bureaucracy will welcome it.
horoscope
Wednesday Sep 10-2014
Aries : You’re finally impressed by the yogis. A degree course in Art of Living? Ganesha approves. You may even fulfill a desire to begin lessons in music or dance, or something that has interested you since long. A good, good day, and it smells of sweet success.
Taurus : Today, you may experience the juxtaposition of pleasure and pain. Household tasks may weigh you down around afternoon. Later in the day, you will be able to achieve whatever you desire solely on account of your determination and mental strength. Pleasure awaits in the warmth and company of your soul mate, says Ganesha.
Gemini : If you are into retail business, planetary positions indicate today is a day for bumper sales. You will set records in making profits. After work, you may want to take your beloved out shopping. Though it may burn a hole in your pocket, the returns you get once you reach home will be worth every penny!
Cancer : Ganesha advises you to watch your back today. However, he wants to make it clear that you may be at the receiving end of others’ actions. Anyway, your cautious and watchful approach will save you from needless discomfiture. In short, life will teach you priceless and precious lessons today, predicts Ganesha.
Leo : You will be in a light-hearted mood today. Be it at the office or at the home, you will be full of joy and will be looking to pass your time lesiurely. You will spend time with family and friends. You will be unable to implement your plans for tackling work today in your current mood, says Ganesha.
Virgo : Today, your soul mate will both give and demand pleasant surprises, says Ganesha. Your business partners may bring in some good news. Take responsibility of your past mistakes and make plans for the days to come. Do not be shy of the advice of loved ones, as it will help you more than hinder. In the evening, you may spend quality time with your beloved.
Libra : Today, you will be in a mishmash of emotions and feelings. Also, there are chances of accumulated feelings finding an outlet. Your capacity for emotional display may take people by surprise. However, you will also enjoy the higher responsibilities reposed on you, predicts Ganesha.
Scorpio : While not the Trot, you shall, however, trot on the lines of radicalism today, predicts Ganesha. Learn to think as you would, and always have, but act as others would have you to, advises Ganesha. Be the maverick that you are only with those who are closest and dearest, cautions Ganesha.
Sagittarius : You may have been experiencing hair loss in the past due to back-breaking stress, but things will begin to clean up today. As complex issues begin to fall in place, you are likely to receive some good news about a promotion or increment. At the end of the day, you will feel content in your comfort zone in the company of near and dear ones.
Capricorn : You will find the day to be taxing, mostly because of the amount of work delegated to you, says Ganesha. But it will take trouble quite an effort to dampen your spirit. You will be in the fray in the latter part of the day, but will leave your rivals trailing behind in terms of business strategies. Success will be yours if you ensure to be mindful of your moves.
Aquarius : Ganesha says it’s okay to cry on somebody’s shoulders. In fact, sharing problems lightens the load, and if nothing else, your friends will think you’re as human as them. You will feel much better by evening and will even smile a little, says Ganesha.
Pisces : Major expenses are coming your way, but the good news is a lot of them can be avoided simply by drawing a line between your needs and your wants. Exercising a little restraint now will go a long way in boosting your savings later on, says Ganesha.
Nadda replaces Ananth Kumar as secretary of key BJP poll panel
NEW DELHI, Sept 9: Senior leader JP Nadda has been apointed the secretary of BJP’s revamped Central Election Committee by party chief Amit Shah, replacing Ananth Kumar.
The 15-membe CEC, which decides on the party candidates and takes other important election related decisions at the national level, was recently revamped by Shah after he took charge as party chief.
Party veterans like L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi have been replaced with young faces like Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Nadda.
Nadda is the party’s national general secretary. Kumar held the position of Secretary of CEC for a long time.
The new CEC’s first task will be to finalise candidates for Haryana Assembly polls.
Among its members are Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj, Venkaiah Naidu and Nitin Gadkari. (PTI)
India not blocking rule-based global trade: PM
NEW DELHI, Sept 9: Weeks after India was accused of blocking WTO talks over food subsidy issue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the country does not stand in the way of rule-based global trade but the interests of its poor and farmers cannot be sacrificed.
He conveyed India’s position to visiting Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Jose Graziano da Silva whom he urged to take the lead in protecting the interests of the poor and farmers at the World Trade Organisation.
During the meeting with da Silva, Modi said India wants active participation of FAO in addressing the emerging challenges in Indian agriculture and in designing a special campaign targeted at women in India, which would highlight ways to improve nutritional value and food habits.
“India does not stand in the way of a rule-based global trade agreement, but India cannot sacrifice the interests and food security of the poor and the farmers,” Modi said when da Silva called on him, according to a PMO statement.
In the WTO talks in Geneva in July, India had taken a tough stance on the issue of foodgrain holding and food subsidy after which the US blamed it for failure of the negotiations.
The 160 members of WTO had gathered there to adopt a treaty to simplify, standardise and streamline the rules for shipping goods across borders, having previously agreed to its terms at a ministerial conference on the Indonesian resort island of Bali last December.
However, India refused to agree to the text because it wanted more attention paid to its concerns over WTO limits on stockpiling of food which will ultimately hit its subsidised food distribution programme, the world`s largest, targeted at nearly 850 million people.
Describing da Silva as one of the champions of the “No
Hunger Project” in Brazil, the Prime Minister said India looks forward to active participation of FAO in addressing the emerging challenges in Indian Agriculture.
Modi sought FAO’s cooperation in designing a special campaign targeted at women in India, which would highlight ways to improve nutritional value and food habits, the PMO statement said.
He discussed ways and means for the FAO to contribute towards increasing nutritional value in the mid-day meal scheme for school children, enhancing production and protein content of pulses, improving production of oilseeds, enhancing milk productivity, and modernization of fisheries sector in India.
Seeking partnership with the FAO for capacity-building in food storage, he suggested that some portion of such capacity addition brought about by the FAO`s efforts through international financial institutions, could be earmarked for the food and nutritional requirements of the poorest countries. (PTI)
Chandy directs state HM to go to Delhi on Keralites caught in J&K Floods
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Sept 9: Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has been asked to go to New Delhi to coordinate with the Centre on evacuation of Keralites stranded in Jammu and Kashmir due to floods, according to the office of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy here today.
The Kerala Home Minister, who is in touch with Horticulture Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Raman Bhalla, said the Kashmir Government was extending all possible help for the evacuation of Keralites from various flood affected areas.
The Home Minister will leave for New Delhi this evening to coordinate on the evacuation efforts. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had yesterday sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in rescuing the Keralites caught in flash floods.
In his letter to Mr Modi, Mr Chandy said, “If it is necessary, a Kerala Government representative could also be sent to New Delhi.”
More than 100 Keralites are stranded in five hotels. Reports say they are safe. As many as 26 people have been airlifted to Srinagar Aiport.
The Chief Minister had also requested the Prime Minister to send the rescued Keralites to Kerala in a special plane. A control room has also been opened in
Thiruvananthapuram. Helpline number is 0471 2331639. Under the directions of Mr Chandy, a 24-hour control room was set up at Kerala House in Delhi.
“The control room is now fully functional and its numbers are 011-30411411 and 011-23347456,” Kerala House Resident Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said.
He said the government had already handed over the details of stranded Keralites to the Jammu and Kashmir Government and to the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF). These details have also reached the control room of the Ministry of Defence and Home.
Civil Aviation Secretary Somasundaram had already given directions to CMD Air India for full support in this evacuation exercise.
The Controller and the Assisstant Protocol Officer will be stationed at Delhi Airport to bring the Keralites reaching Delhi to Kerala House, he added. (UNI)
Coal scam: CBI to file revised closure report in court
NEW DELHI, Sept 9: CBI today informed a special court that it will file a revised closure report giving details in a coal blocks allocation scam case allegedly involving JAS Infrastructure and Power Ltd and others in which the judge had observed that the probe was “incomplete”.
Special public prosecutor R S Cheema told the court that the agency will file a comprehensive revised closure report which would be “explanatory” in nature.
CBI’s move came after the court had earlier observed that nothing was clear in its closure report and it was irked over the agency adopting different yardsticks in different cases and not following a uniform policy in its investigation.
After Cheema informed the court about filing of a revised closure report in the case, Special CBI Judge Bharat Parashar fixed the matter for September 23.
“SPP (special public prosecutor) states that CBI will be filing a revised closure report under the provision of the CrPC which shall be detailed and explanatory in nature,” the court said.
The court was hearing arguments on the closure report filed by CBI in the case in which it had lodged FIR against Nagpur-based businessman Manoj Jayaswal and others for alleged irregularities by JAS Infrastructure and Power Limited in acquiring the coal blocks.
The court had asked CBI whether it was a “deliberate act or negligent act” by Coal Ministry officials to clear files relating to allocation of coal blocks. It had also expressed dissatisfaction over the explanation given by CBI.
The court had observed that the issue in coal blocks
allocation cases, including this case, was that there was loss to the exchequer but CBI’s probe was silent on the aspect if “it was a deliberate act or negligent act on the part of the officials of Ministry of Coal” to allocate coal blocks to such firms.
CBI had told the court that during its probe it had not found misrepresentation of facts by JAS Infrastructure and Power Limited.
It had lodged an FIR in the case on the allegation that JAS Infrastructure and Power Ltd had not disclosed to the Coal Ministry that it was in possession of coal blocks earlier.
The company allegedly signed memorandum of understanding for small periods with a number of companies and added their equity to project their sound financial status at the time of application for coal blocks, CBI had alleged in its FIR.
However, during the investigation, CBI could not find any “prosecutable evidence” against the firm and others and filed a closure report in the case. (PTI)
FAA team likely to visit India soon to review measures by DGCA
NEW DELHI, Sept 9: Nine months after downgrading DGCA in the aviation safety rankings, a Federal Aviation Administration team is likely to visit India soon to review the corrective measures taken by the Indian aviation regulator to meet the deficiencies listed by its US counterpart.
“We would like India to be Category-I as soon as possible. We invited them (FAA) to visit DGCA for a review in September or October, when our team went to the US and made a presentation to them last month,” Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju told reporters here.
He said the FAA team would be visiting India and “I am sure India will return to Category-I.”
FAA had conducted two safety audits last year in India and downgraded India’s aviation safety ranking to Category-II from the top category as it found deficiencies in over 30 counts. These included lack of technical manpower like flight inspectors, a large number of whom have now been recruited.
To a question on DGCA serving showcause notices to 131 pilots of Jet Airways for not clearing necessary checks, he said “there can be no compromise on safety… DGCA is expected to act according to the law and they are doing it… It will definitely act as per the law.”
Asked about aviation bodies Air India, AAI and AERA “remaining headless”, Raju said “we don’t intend to keep any organisation headless. We are taking care that the work does not suffer. But there is a procedure through which such vacancies are filled up and that is being followed.”
While Air India CMD Rohit Nandan is on a three-month extension that ends in October, the post of AAI Chairman is being occupied by its Board member S Raheja till a full-time chief is appointed.
Regarding Air India’s financial position, Raju said the state-run airline had shown “major improvements” in its load factors and yields.
Government has released Rs 3,833 crore in the first quarter of 2014-15 against the total allocation of Rs 6,600 crore for the entire financial year, he said. (PTI)
Govt to have conclusive opinion on LoP ‘very soon’
NEW DELHI, Sept 9: The Government will very soon have a conclusive opinion on the issue of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha as a member of the selection committees that make appointments in various statutory bodies, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said today.
“We had this problem (requirement of LoP). We sought the opinion of the secretary of the Lok Sabha as to what would be the ideal way to proceed. I think very soon we will have conclusive opinion about it. I don’t need to speculate,” he told reporters during a press conference without indicating whether or not LoP would be a member of selection committees.
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan had already rejected Congress’ demand for LoP status as its nominee.
Congress with 44 seats in the Lok Sabha has emerged as the second largest party after the BJP with 282 seats, but fell short by 11 to stake claim for the LoP, for which a strength of 55 is required.
Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, said the Government will very soon appoint new chief of Central Information Commission (CIC) and Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC).
“As far as the appointment of the CVC is concerned, CVC is still there. He is to retire at the end of September. We will take a call when that happens. The appointment of CIC and other Commissioners is in process. It will happen very soon,” he said.
The post of Chief Information Commissioner has been lying vacant for over a fortnight. Chief Information Commissioner Rajiv Mathur had relinquished his charge on August 22.
Central Vigilance Commissioner Pradeep Kumar’s tenure will end on September 28. There is also a vacancy of Vigilance Commissioner in the CVC as the tenure of J M Garg, one of the two Commissioners, ended on Sunday.
However, there is no mandatory requirement of LoP in the selection committee that recommends persons for Central Vigilance Commissioner, Vigilance Commissioner, chairpersons and members for the Lokpal, official sources said.
The appointment of a Central Vigilance Commissioner and Vigilance Commissioner is done by the President on the basis of recommendation from a three-member selection committee headed by Prime Minister and comprising Minister for Home Affairs and the Leader of Opposition in the House of the People, as per the Central Vigilance Act, 2003.
The Act further has a provision that when no such leader (LoP) has been recognised then the selection committee can include the leader of the single largest group in Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
“No appointment of a Central Vigilance Commissioner or a Vigilance Commissioner shall be invalid merely by reason of any vacancy in the Committee,” the Act states.
The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners are appointed by the President following a recommendation by a selection committee headed by Prime Minister and comprising the Leader of the Opposition and a Union Cabinet Minister (to be nominated by the Prime Minister) as members.
“For the purposes of removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that where the Leader of Opposition in the House of the People has not been recognised as such, the Leader of the single largest group in Opposition of the Government in the House of the People shall be deemed to be the Leader of Opposition,” said the Right to Information Act, 2005. (PTI)
SC asks Centre to reply on fate of Delhi Assembly by Oct 10
NEW DELHI, Sept 9: The Supreme Court today asked the Centre to apprise it by October 10 about the outcome of political process initiated by Lt Governor by writing a letter to the President on exploring the possibility of government formation in Delhi.
A five-judge Constitution Bench, headed by Justice H L Dattu, said that it is not going to keep this matter pending for a longer period of time and asked the Centre to inform it about the decision to be taken by the President of India on the LG’s letter.
“What is the possible time by which his Excellency would take a decision?” the bench asked Additional Solicitor General (ASG) P S Narsimha, who was appearing for the Centre.
At the outset of the hearing, the ASG referred to the letter written by Lt Governor Najeeb Jung on September 4 to the President seeking to explore the possibility of government formation in Delhi.
In his letter to the President, the LG had sought permission to call the single largest party (BJP) to take a shot at power though it is well short of majority in the Assembly.
Senior advocate Fali S Nariman and advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), raised the issue of horse-trading by BJP for getting the numbers to form the government in Delhi.
The bench, however, said that it will not take on record the additional affidavit filed on this issue by AAP and asked Nariman to wait till October 10.
Referring to the LG’s letter to the President, the ASG said that the political process has started again to explore the possibility of government formation in the national capital and four more weeks be granted for the same.
On August 5, the apex court had given five weeks’ time to the Centre to take a decision on dissolution of the Delhi Assembly “one way or another”, questioning it for continuing to keep the House in suspended animation when no party was coming forward to form the government.
The bench had also asked why the MLAs be paid from taxpayers’ money for sitting idle when the Assembly had been kept in suspended animation.
On the petition filed by AAP seeking dissolution of the Assembly, the bench had asked the Centre what steps it has taken to explore the possibility of government formation during the last five months.
It had, however, turned down the plea of AAP which
submitted that the apex court should pass order so that elections in Delhi are held along with that of four other states later this year.
The apex court said it is for the appropriate authority to take a decision.
President’s rule was imposed in Delhi on February 17 with no party coming forward to stake claim for government formation after AAP government headed by leader Arvind Kejriwal resigned.
The petition filed by AAP had sought a direction to the Lt Governor to dissolve the Assembly and hold fresh polls.
It had challenged the decision to impose President’s rule in Delhi on the recommendation of the LG alleging that it was done to protect Congress leaders and former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit from corruption charges.
The petition had said the order to impose President’s rule was “illegal, arbitrary and in violation” of Article 14 of the Constitution as after the resignation of Kejriwal neither BJP nor Congress were in a position to form the government and they had already expressed their unwillingness in that regard.
It had further raised constitutional questions to keep the Assembly under suspended animation by ignoring the categorical recommendation of the majority government of the NCT of Delhi for dissolving the House.
BJP had emerged the single largest party after the Assembly polls in December last year with 32 seats including ally Akali Dal’s one MLA in the 70-member House.
BJP fell four seats short of a simple majority and had refused to form the government, saying it did not have the numbers and will not resort to any “unfair means” to take the reins.
AAP with 28 MLAs had later formed the government with support of eight Congress MLAs. AAP’s strength has also come down to 27 after expulsion of party MLA Vinod Kumar Binny.
BJP’s number came down to 28 in the House in May after three of its legislators–Harsh Vardhan, Ramesh Bidhuri and Pervesh Verma–were elected to Lok Sabha. With the resignation of three MLAs, the strength of the Assembly also went down to 67. (PTI)