Cong: AAP's plan for referendum 'unconstitutional'

The Congress on Wednesday threatened to move court if the Kejriwal Government goes ahead with the proposal for a referendum over statehood for Delhi and termed the move as "unconstitutional". The party also blamed the Delhi Government of "strengthening" the hands of "divisive and secessionist" powers by pressing for the referendum.

"The demand for referendum is completely unconstitutional. And this can't happen as per Constitution. If they bring formal proposal (seeking full statehood), then we will take legal steps in this regard," Delhi Congress chief spokesperson Sharmistha Mukherjee said.Mukherjee added AAP is trying to open a new front for fight with the Centre in which it can play victim in the eyes of the public by pushing for referendum.

"AAP is aware that such a referendum is unconstitutional. But they are just trying to open a new front with Centre so that they can play victim. They can tell people that they wanted referendum, but Centre did not allow them."If at all they have any brain, there is no provision for this in Constitution. Because ours is an indirect democracy and Constitution has given rights to elected representatives to make legislations, to take decisions," she said.

Expressing concerns that holding referendum in Delhi will have "far reaching implications", the Congress questioned AAP if it supports referendum in Jammu and Kashmir as well."Demand for referendum has been made in the past at different times by different states like Gorkhaland, Bodoland, Jammu and Kashmir. And by asking for a referendum in Delhi, AAP is only strengthening hands of (such) divisive and secessionist forces," she claimed.

Mukherjee, however, said Congress "definitely" is not opposed to full statehood for Delhi, but added it is required to see what implications such a move will have on the national capital territory. 

"There has to be proper dialogue with all stakeholders (concerned). People should be made aware about pros and cons, implications of full statehood," she said.The Congress also slammed AAP MlA Somnath Bharti's reported statement, made two days ago, that there should be no objection in holding referendum saying "the former law Minister is either playing with the emotions of people of Delhi or needs special coaching classes on legal issues".

The Congress took potshots at AAP over reports of the State Government reportedly planning to fund MlA offices in assembly segments and questioned if the demand by ruling party legislators for salary hike was justified in this context.

"Some days ago, AAP MlAs had sought salary hike. If the Government is going to fund their constituency offices, then on what basis they are seeking salary hikeIJ" she asked.Asked about the Government's plan of 100 per cent hike in circle rates for flats, Mukherjee said the Congress is opposed to the move as it is set to affect already-in-bad-shape real estate sector and also middle class.Replying to another query, she said that increasing stamp duty on rental agreement will pinch pockets of people and such a decision will "not be acceptable" to the Congress.