BJP critical of SC verdict, opposition attacks govt

BJP today criticised the Supreme Court verdict on Arunachal Pradesh wondering whether it strengthens or weakens democracy while the entire opposition hit out at the Modi government accusing it of "misuse of power" and "transgression" of constitutional structure.
In a sharp reaction, the BJP, which heads the government at the Centre, calling the verdict a very strange order that the leader with majority support and running the government was being asked to sit in the opposition.
Reacting to the apex court order restoring her party government in the state, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre saying those who trampled upon constitutional propriety and democratic norms stand defeated.

"Those who had trampled upon constitutional propriety and democratic norms have been defeated today. This judgement, that firmly establishes the democratic values enshrined in our constitution, will deter the Union Government from any further misuse of power," Sonia said in a statement.
She also welcomed the "historic" verdict reinstating the "democratically-elected and unconstitutionally-removed" government.
She hoped that the judgement, which firmly establishes democratic values enshrined in the constitution, will deter the union government from any further "misuse of power".

Rahul took a dig at Modi and thanked the Supreme Court for explaining to him what democracy is.
Congress MP and senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, who argued for the Speaker in the Supreme Court, demanded the immediate sacking of Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa and an apology from all those involved in the decision of toppling the government.

Meanwhile, the Government treaded cautiously in its reaction saying it will do a "structured examination" of the order and its implications before making a detailed response.
Late in the evening, Home Minister Rajnath Singh convened a high-level meeting in which Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi were present to study the judgement. Later, they are believed to have met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.
At a media briefing on the Cabinet meeting, Prasad raised questions over developments in the state after December 15, including the withdrawal of President's Rule and Kalikho Pul proving his majority subsequently in the Assembly following the "legislative procedures" and forming the government.

"We are yet to get the order. We will study it in detail... And then make structured response. We will do a structured examination of the order. It requires detailed consideration," Prasad told reporters at the Cabinet briefing.