Congress escalates attack on BJP, demands Rajkhowa's resignation

Hailing the Supreme Court's verdict on Arunachal Pradesh as a great day for Indian democracy, Congress leader Kabil Sibal on Wednesday demanded the resignation of Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa.

"The Supreme Court has upheld constitutional values and the concept of constitutional integrity. I must salute the Supreme Court. It's a great day for Indian democracy," Sibal told a press conference here.

"No Governor can advance any state assembly. We call for the resignation of Arunachal Pradesh Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa," he added.

Stating that the day will be "written in golden words in the history of India", Sibal said, "The Supreme Court's decision will result in Nabam Tuki being the CM in Arunachal Pradesh."

Sibal also demanded an apology from the central ministers responsible for the political crisis in the Congress-ruled state.

"The Centre ministers, who were involved in this decision, they must clarify and apologise," he said.

Continuing his tirade against the ruling dispensation at the Centre, Sibal said the BJP's modus operandi is to topple the Cong-ruled elected governments.

"The BJP's aim is Congress-mukt Bharat. They operate by enforcing President's Rule and take advantage of it and change the government," he added.

In a major setback to the BJP-ruled Centre, the apex court earlier today quashed "message and direction" issued by the Arunachal Pradesh Governor and restored status quo as on December 15 when Congress' Nabam Tuki was the chief minister.

A five-judge constitution bench pronounced the verdict on a bunch of petitions dealing with discretionary powers of the governor to summon or advance the assembly session.

Stating the governor's direction on conducting assembly proceedings is unconstitutional, the apex court set aside all steps and decision taken by the legislative assembly pursuant to the governor's December 9th last year order and said they are unsustainable.

The Supreme Court had earlier in February reserved its judgement in the case for today. The apex court had said the verdict will not only have its effect on Arunachal Pradesh, but affect every state.

Just before the court had reserved its verdict, rebel Congress leader Kalikho Pul was sworn-in as the ninth chief minister of the state. He got the support of 18 dissident Congress MLAs and two independents, with 11 BJP MLAs giving him outside support.

Arunachal Pradesh had been under President's Rule since January 26.

Tuki-led Congress government was dismissed following days of turmoil after 21 of its 47 lawmakers rebelled against the chief minister.

The Congress, which had 47 MLAs seats in the 60-member assembly, suffered a jolt when 21 of its lawmakers rebelled. Eleven BJP MLAs backed the rebels in the bid to upstage the government. Later, 14 rebel Congress MLAs were disqualified.