AAP's plan for referendum 'unconstitutional', says Congress

NEW DELHI: Describing as "unconstitutional" the AAP's call for a referendum over statehood for Delhi, Congress today threatened to move court if the Kejriwal government goes ahead with its proposal.

The Congress also accused the AAP of "strengthening" the hands of "divisive and secessionist" powers by pressing for the referendum.

"The demand for referendum is completely unconstitutional. And this can't happen as per Constitution. If they bring formal proposal (seeking full statehood), then we will take legal steps in this regard," Delhi Congress chief spokesperson Sharmistha Mukherjee told reporters here.

Mukherjee added AAP is trying to open a new front for fight with Centre in which it can play victim in the eyes of public by pushing for referendum.

"AAP is aware that such a referendum is unconstitutional. But they are just trying to open a new front with Centre so that they can play victim. They can tell people that they wanted referendum, but Centre did not allow them.

"If at all they have any brain, there is no provision for this in Constitution. Because ours is an indirect democracy and Constitution has given rights to elected representatives to make legislations, to take decisions," she said.

Expressing concerns that holding referendum in Delhi will have "far reaching implications", the Congress questioned AAP if it supports referendum in Jammu and Kashmir as well.

"Demand for referendum has been made in the past at different times by different states like Gorkhaland, Bodoland, Jammu and Kashmir. And by asking for a referendum in Delhi, AAP is only strengthening hands of (such) divisive and secessionist forces," she claimed.

Mukherjee, however, said Congress "definitely" is not opposed to full statehood for Delhi, but added it is required to see what implications such a move will have on the national capital territory.