Two states, two precedents

New Delhi:  In Karnataka, BJP got  a few weeks to form a government.  But when it comes to Maharashtra, where the BJP failed to stake a claim to form a ministry,  its opponents were not allowed even a full day. 

Naturally,  the Opposition blames the Centre for having made the Governor a  rubber stamp,  by  arranging  a hurried recommendation for imposing President's rule and then promptly approving it,  thereby paving the way for horsetrading.

The blatant misuse of power is not happening under BJP rule for the first time.  It was not only in Karnataka,  but in states like Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttharakhand,  Manipur and Jammu & Kashmir that the BJP made its way similarly through the backdoor.

This has been made wider in Maharashtra,  said Congress leader Kapil Sibal. It is through Kapil Sibal,  senior advocate that Shiv Sena filed its petition in Supreme Court challenging the Governor's act of not granting it more time to form ministry, despite the party's request.

Kapil Sibal alleged that the BJP willt ry to purchase the support of Opposition MLAs, using money and power in the coming days.

Several Opposition parties, including Congress and CPM alleged that the hasty imposition of President's rule in Maharashtra was a violation of the constitution and rules of democracy.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said that factors like the majority to form a government,  the strength of those going to rule and stability of government are to be proved inside the house.

CPM General Secretary charged that what happened in Maharashtra was a butchery of democratic norms.