Those violating Constitution, democratic norms stand defeated: Sonia Gandhi

Says, Congress will continue its fight to strengthen democracy and safeguard the federal structure

Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre after the Supreme Court ordered restoration of the party's government in Arunachal Pradesh, 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," Sonia said in a statement after the apex court quashed all decisions of the Governor that had precipitated the Nabam Tuki government's fall in January, holding them "violative" of the Constitution.

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, even as she reaffirmed Congress' resolve to continue its fight to strengthen democracy and safeguard the federal structure.

"This judgement, that firmly establishes the democratic values enshrined in our Constitution, will deter the Union government from any further misuse of power," she said.

She also welcomed the "historic" verdict reinstating the "democratically elected and unconstitutionally removed" government in Arunachal Pradesh and congratulated the people of the state for it.

Rahul took a dig at Modi and thanked the Supreme Court for explaining to him what democracy is. "Thank you Supreme Court for explaining to the Prime Minister what democracy is," he said in a tweet.

Tuki also welcomed the verdict, saying it is "historic" that has protected democracy and termed it as a victory of democracy.