Arunachal: Congress Welcomes SC Order, Demands Governor’s Sacking

Rajnath Singh (L) and Nabam Tuki (R). (Photo: IANS)

The Congress on Wednesday demanded the immediate sacking of the Arunachal Pradesh Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa and demanded an apology from all those involved in the decision of toppling the government last December.

Putting up a brave front, BJP tried to deflect the criticism saying the political crisis in the state was an outcome of Congress’ internal fight and claimed that the order is not a setback to the party.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has now called a high-level meet on the Arunachal verdict. According to reports, Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar Prasad, along with the Attorney General, will meet at 6 pm on Wednesday.

In a blow to BJP and the Centre, the apex court had earlier ordered restoration of the Congress government in Arunachal Pradesh by quashing as “unconstitutional” the Governor’s decision to advance the Legislative Assembly session by a month last December.

We have got justice from the Supreme Court, it has today saved this country and its Constitution. (It’s) a historic and remarkable judgement which was expected by the people of the country. I will hold discussions with party MLAs and decide further course of action, we’ll do whatever is required legally.

Nabam Tuki, Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh

The apex court’s verdict paves the way for the dismissed Congress government of Nabam Tuki to return to power and sets aside Governor Rajkhowa’s message directing the manner of holding the proceedings of sixth session of the Assembly scheduled from 14 January 2016 to 16-18 December, 2015.

Reacting to the judgement, former Arunachal Chief Minister Khalikho Pul said he would file a review petition against the judgement after going through it in detail and consulting experts.

We had formed the government as per procedure. We paraded 32 MLAs in front of the Governor and proved our majority.

Khalikho Pul, Former Chief Minister

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also reacted to the judgement.

We’re yet to receive the Supreme Court’s order copy. We’ll study it in detail and then make a structured comment.

Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Law Minister

Responses Pour In

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal spoke on the issue and was critical of what he called Prime Minister Modi’s “dictatorial attitude”.

Modi ji has faith neither in the Constitution nor in people’s mandate. He wants to run this country with dictatorial attitude...First Uttarakhand and now Arunachal Pradesh...Hope Modi ji learns from this and respects governments elected by people of the nation. Hope he will let Delhi Government function.

Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister

Thank you Supreme Court for explaining to the Prime Minister what democracy is.

Rahul Gandhi, VP, INC

In the wake of the development being cited as a defeat for the Modi government, the Bharatiya Janata Party also issued a formal statement.

No setback for BJP in Arunachal Pradesh, this crisis occurred due to internal conflicts within Congress.

BJP

We’re yet to receive SC’s order copy. We’ll study it in detail & then make a structured comment.

RS Prasad, Union Law Minister

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, who was given relief by the apex court and took charge of the state government once again, lauded the verdict.

Welcome SC’s historic verdict.Those who had trampled upon constitutional propriety & democractic norms have been defeated today.

Sonia Gandhi, President, All India Congress

This day will be written in golden words in the history of India. Supreme Court’s decision will result in Nabam Tuki being the CM in Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal Pradesh Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa must resign, this is our demand. Centre ministers who were involved in this decision, they must clarify and apologise.

Kapil Sibbal, Rajya Sabha MP

On 17 February, the Union Cabinet had recommended revoking President’s rule in Arunachal Pradesh, a day after the Supreme Court refused to restrain the Governor from swearing in a new government in the state.

The state had been under President’s Rule since December 2015 when 11 BJP MLAs backed the Congress rebels in a bid to upset the government.

(With agency inputs)