Congress responsible for President's rule in Arunachal, has no basis to complain: BJP

With the Congress dubbing the President's rule in Arunachal Pradesh as 'murder of democracy' by the NDA-led Centre, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday hit back at the former asserting that the conditions have been created by the rebel leaders of the grand old party leaving them with no grounds to complain.

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"This is not the first time in India that President's rule has been imposed in a state. Congress has been a master in creating conditions. Here also in Arunachal, the conditions have been created by the rebel leaders of Congress and not by anyone else," BJP leader Siddharthnath Singh told ANI.

"Congress has no basis to complain but yes, if want to make it a political issue; they are welcome to do that. But the Constitution needs to be respected," he added.

Earlier, the grand old party said that the imposition of President's Rule in Arunachal Pradesh was a 'murder of democracy' by the Centre.

"Bharatiya Janata Party wants its government everywhere. You can't impose President's rule because people didn't favor you. We will fight in the court and also tell the people how the BJP misuses its power. It is very unfortunate and it is a murder of democracy," Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said.

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Echoing similar sentiments, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala tweeted, "Republic's founding principles of Democracy & Federalism gutted by Modiji on Republic Day! Will fight Central Rule in Arunachal tooth&nail."

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"Sun rises in India's east. BJP, however, eclipses Constitution's ethos by imposing Central rule in Arunachal. Federalism trampled by Modiji," he added.

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President Pranab Mukherjee yesterday gave his assent to imposition of central rule in Arunachal Pradesh. Two days back, Union Cabinet had recommended President's Rule following the political crisis in the state.

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In December last year, Arunachal Pradesh was rocked by a political crisis as 21 rebel Congress MLAs joined hands with 11 of BJP and two independents to impeach Assembly Speaker Nabam Rebia at a makeshift venue.

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The move was termed as illegal and unconstitutional by the Speaker. The rebel group MLAs congregated at a community hall after the state Assembly complex was allegedly sealed by the local administration, and impeached Mr. Rebia in an impromptu session chaired by Deputy Speaker.

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Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will today hear Congress' plea challenging the Cabinet decision.