Modi government trampling democracy, alleges Congress on Cabinet move on Arunachal Pradesh

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet's recommendation for imposing President's rule in Arunachal Pradesh today drew stinging condemnation from the opposition with Congress alleging democracy was being trampled and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was "fountainhead" of political intolerance.

Accusing the Modi government of trying to destabilize a state bordering China, the Congress, which is in power in Arunachal Pradesh, also said that it will challenge in court the Cabinet decision if it gets presidential assent.

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal expressed "shock" over the Cabinet decision, saying it is "murder" of the country's Constitution.

"Union Cab recommending Prez rule in Arunachal shocking. Murder of Consti on Rep D eve. BJP lost elections.Now acquiring power thro back door," Kejriwal said in a tweet.

The "very wrong" step has exposed Modi's "double-speak" on federalism, the Congress alleged and warned the government that it will pay a "heavy price" for it.

"Modi government's decision to impose President's rule in Arunachal Pradesh reflects travesty of Constitutional mandate, subjugation of federalism and trampling of democracy," AICC Communication Department Chief Randeep Surjewala said.

"Modiji's double speak of respect for federalism and states being equal part of 'Team India' stands exposed."

Congress leader Kapil Sibal said the party will move court and alleged that the step shows that Modi is "fountainhead" of political intolerance.

"We will challenge it.... This bypassing the matter which is being heard by the Supreme Court.... President is Constitutional head he will apply his mind and will take appropriate decision," Sibal told reporters.

He was asked whether the party will challenge in court the decision taken by the Cabinet decision.

"Government has taken a very wrong step. There cannot be possibly any wrong step than this. The Governor had embarrassed himself and now the government is embarrassing itself. They will pay a heavy price," he remarked.

Sibal, a former Law Minister and a noted lawyer, claimed that that government has taken the step apprehending that they are not going to succeed in the Supreme Court.

"They have taken the step despite knowing well the decision on President's rule cannot get approval of Parliament as they do not have majority in the Rajya Sabha," Sibal said.

"This is an act of political intolerance by government which talks of cooperative federalism," he said.

He lamented that the Modi dispensation was resorting to such tactics in a border-state like Arunachal Pradesh.

"They are trying to destabilize a state bordering China," he alleged