President's rule in Arunachal, Congress calls it 'murder of democracy'

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday gave his assent for central rule in Arunachal Pradesh with Congress and other Opposition parties calling it a "murder of democracy."

The significant development came a day after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh met the President and briefed him about the ground political reality in the Congress-ruled state.

Expressing shock over the development, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Nabam Tuki said, "People are disappointed with the imposition of President's rule. We are taking this matter to court and we will seek justice from the Supreme Court."

"Congress party had the majority. Why the other party which has less in numbers trying to destabilize our government. The court has to decide now. The matter was sub-judice and therefore we will wait for the court's order," he said.

Meanwhile, Congress termed the move as a murder of democracy. "It is really unfortunate that President's rule was imposed in Arunachal, which is ruled by the Congress. This is unconstitutional."

Rubbishing Congress' allegations, BJP spokesperson, Nalin Kohli said, "Murder of democracy took place when the Congress government imposed emergency in India. Whatever happened in Arunachal was as per our constitution."

On Sunday, the Congress party approached the Supreme Court challenging Union Cabinet's recommendation for imposing President's Rule in Arunachal Pradesh.

On December 16, 2015, 21 rebel Congress MLAs joined hands with 11 of BJP and two independents to 'impeach' Assembly Speaker Nabam Rebia at a makeshift venue, in a move branded as "illegal and unconstitutional" by the Speaker.