U'khand crisis: Bahuguna welcomes President's rule, calls for early elections

Rebel Congress leader Vijay Bahuguna on Sunday welcomed imposition of President's rule in Uttarakhand and said that fresh elections should be held in the state soon.

Asserting that President's rule had become necessary, Bahuguna said Chief Minister Harish Rawat was resorting to all sorts of unfair means to save his minority government.

"President's rule became necessary because Chief Minister did not resign even after losing majority on March 18. And they had resorted to all sorts of means to turn their minority into majority," he told ANI.

"I welcome the decision to impose President's rule, fresh elections should be held soon," he added

When asked whether he would extend support if the BJP attempts to form a government, he said, "If there is any possibility of government formation then we will think about it. This is a premature question."

After almost seven days of verbal battle between the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the political crisis in Uttarakhand, President's rule was imposed in the hill state on Sunday.

Sources said the move was taken after Governor K.K. Paul submitted his report.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat earlier condemned the threat by the Centre to impose President's rule in the state.

The Congress late yesterday evening dubbed the cabinet meeting, which was held in the national capital to decide on the political crisis in Uttarakhand, as the last phase of drama scripted by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).