The Congress on Sunday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for imposition of President's Rule in Uttarakhand, saying the move was a "naked negation of the Constitutional norms".
"The governor had asked the Congress government to prove its majority on March 28. What, then, is the justification for imposition of President's Rule 24 hours before the floor test to prove majority? It shows complete lack of respect for the constitution on part of the prime minister," Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told reporters here.
"The Supreme Court has categorically held that once a floor test has been ordered, the governor cannot recommend President's Rule based on his subjective satisfaction," he said.
Another Congress leader Kapil Sibal challenged the authenticity of the sting operation which has been made a reference point by the central government in disposing the Harish Rawat government.
"Which constitutional breakdown has taken place in Uttarakhand, they are talking about? Has any riots taken place in Uttarakhand? Will the cabinet decide about the authenticity of a sting operation now?
"Thousands of sting operations have happened in Madhya Pradesh. What about them?" asked Sibal, insisting that the move reflected "an unprecedented arrogance of power and position on part of the prime minister".
Earlier in the day, President Pranab Mukherjee approved the decision of the union cabinet to impose central rule in Uttarakhand on grounds of instability and breakdown in law and order situation in the state.
The cabinet recommended the central rule on Saturday night after an hour-long meeting chaired by Modi. With this, the Uttarakhand assembly was placed under suspended animation.
