BJP hits back at Cong, says 1975 emergency was 'murder of democracy'

New Delhi: Asserting that the 1975 emergency was the murder of democracy and not the imposition of President`s rule in Arunachal Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday asked the Congress to introspect its role rather than levelling allegations on decisions based on facts and not sentiments.

"There has been one clear documented case of murder of democracy and that is the imposition of emergency in 1975 by Indira Gandhi. The misuse of institution is equally well documented and the Congress would do well to introspect its role in that rather than level such allegations," BJP leader Nalin Kohli told ANI.

With regard to the situation in Arunachal, he said that the requirement of the Constitution in terms of the session of the assembly to be not more than six months apart was crucial.

He added that when it came to law and order situation in Arunachal, the government`s decision would be driven solely on facts and not sentiments.

On the other hand, BJP leader and Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said it was ridiculous on the Congress' part to raise issues about constitutional rights.

Maintaining that the Centre had taken such a step since it was their responsibility to take care of a 'constitutional crisis' in the state, he added that the Arunachal Pradesh Government was reeling with instability due to Congress which forced the BJP to take action.

"We took such a step because the government there was unstable. In such situations, we want stability there as it is a border state which increases our responsibility. The Congress will not benefit from politicising this issue any further," Naqvi told ANI.

Despite the vehement opposition by the Congress, President Pranab Mukherjee yesterday gave his assent to imposition of central rule in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Congress dubbed the President`s rule as `murder of democracy` by the BJP-led Centre and accused it of misusing power.Meanwhile, in a big blow to the Centre, the Supreme Court today sought a report within 15 minutes from Arunachal Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa on the basis of which he recommended the President`s rule.

The apex court, which heard the Congress` plea challenging the Cabinet`s decision to impose President`s rule in Arunachal, also expressed its displeasure to Rajkhowa as to why it was not informed about the developments in the state.

The apex court also issued a notice to the Centre in this regard and sought a reply by Friday.