Poke me: Arunachal mess an attack on India's federalism (Readers' react)

This week's Poke Me invited your comments on "Arunachal mess is not just a BJP-Congress battle. It’s an attack on India’s federalism". Here are the selected opinions that were published in the ET print edition on Saturday. (Read full article)

Ashok Goswami

The very idea of invoking Article 356 is antithetical to federalism. BJP is proving no different to what Congress did during its rule. There has been no breakdown of law and order machinery. The BJP should give more legroom for democratic norms and stop behaving like Big Brother ready to crack the whip on anyone on flimsy grounds.

Siva Dattu

The President’s rule should come along with punishment for the guilty who caused the situation. Otherwise, the crisis will become an opportunity for political parties. The Supreme Court should act. Smart cities need smart societies.

B Shanbhag

The Congress should not cry foul because the tool was used by them extensively to dislodge governments. However, that is not the criteria for the BJP government to recommend the President’s rule. If the dismissal of the government is, better reverse the decision.

Hrushi Kesh

If the situation demands it, imposition is not violation of federalism. For federalism to work, the Centre should have some power to implement certain laws at the state level. Otherwise, there is no cooperation and coordination between the two if they are independent.

POKE ME will appear every Saturday. The article will first appear on www.economictimes.com every Wednesday morning. Do check what we poke you next with on February 3.