New Delhi: Notwithstanding Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh's statement that the states would be consulted
before setting up NCTC, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh
Badal on Tuesday said he would oppose the anti-terror body "tooth
and nail" as it would erode powers of state governments.
Badal also accused the UPA government of gradually
usurping the state governments' power through various
amendments in Constitution and warned of severe consequences.
"We are against NCTC and will oppose the NCTC tooth and
nail. This will infringe on the powers of the state
governments," he told reporters after a meeting with Home
Minister P Chidambaram.
Badal's statement came hours after Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh said nothing would be done to infringe upon the
federal structure and the next step would be taken only after
full consultations with states.
The Centre has convened a meeting of Chief Ministers on
April 16 to discuss the country's internal security situation
where the issue of NCTC would be discussed threadbare.
Badal alleged that the UPA government has taken away many
powers of the state governments through various amendments in
Constitution.
"Central government has usurped many of our powers-
financial, agriculture and many more. They are attacking
country's federal structure in a systematic manner. They will
have to pay heavy price for that," he said.
The Chief Minister also demanded a review of Constitution
to define the roles of Central and state governments on
various issues.
Badal assumed the charge of Punjab Chief Minister last
week for the second consecutive term.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, March 20, 2012, 19:38