President's rule imposed in Uttarakhand after governor's report

NEW DELHI: While recommending President’s rule in Uttarakhand, the Union Cabinet relied on governor KK Paul’s fourth report of March 26. The Raj Bhavan report said: “The recording contained in a pen drive indicates horse trading.” The purported sting released by rebel Congress MLAs on Saturday alleged that they were offered money by sacked chief minister Harish Rawat to back his government during the floor test on Monday.

Taking cognizance of the report, The Union home ministry has sent the pen drive containing sting operation for forensic examination to Chandigarh laboratory. North Block officials were informed by the forensic experts on Sunday that the video appears to be genuine and a detailed report will be provided by them soon.

The governor in his report, seen by ET, expressed apprehensions over possible pandemonium during the trial of strength in the assembly on Monday. The report highlighted the controversial circumstances in which the appropriation bill was declared passed by the Speaker. As per the report, 68 members were present when assembly took up the bill.

Speaker was in the chair and nine Congress MLAs along with 26 BJP MLAs apparently did not support the finance bill, the report stated. It further said, prior to the session, the leader of Opposition had asked the governor to ensure a division. Most of the members on the floor of the House sought a division, the report stated.

The assembly proceedings is an astounding piece of evidence which indicated that notwithstanding the leader of Opposition and other members asking for a division, the Speaker did not allow the division and declared the bill as having been passed, the report stated.