President's rule in Arunachal a 'sledgehammer blow': Cong

Congress today slammed the government for imposing President's Rule in Arunachal Pradesh, saying it is a "sledgehammer blow" to Indian federalism and "misuse" of the Constitution.

"The imposition of President's rule in Arunachal is a sledgehammer blow to Indian federalism. It is tantamount to worst misuse of Article 356 of the Constitution," former Union Minister and Congress leader Manish Tewari said.

Union Cabinet had recommended imposition of President's Rule on Sunday in Congress-ruled Arunachal Pradesh, which is witnessing political turmoil.

Tewari said the government should have waited for the Supreme Court decision on the matter.

"Since the matter is already under the consideration of the Supreme Court, propriety demanded that the government should have awaited the outcome of the deliberations of the Supreme Court," he said.

Countering the attack, BJP leader Sidharth Nath Singh said President's rule has been imposed not for the first time and Congress has no basis to complain as it is responsible for the "political instability" in the state.

"This is not the first time that the President's rule has been imposed. The Congress has been a master in creating conditions also in Arunachal Pradesh.

"The condition has been created by rebel MlAs of the Congress and not by anybody else and at the same time there is also a constitutional requirement for the session to be held within a time span which has not been met. Therefore, there is instability in Arunachal Pradesh," Singh said.

Defending the decision, the BJP leader said, "The Council of Ministers at the Centre recommended to the President. President took his time and in his own wisdom has imposed the President's rule. So Congress has no basis to complain. If they want to make any political issue, they are welcome to do it. Constitution needs to be respected."