The Hindu : Advani defends U.P. Governor's decision

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Dec 06, 2002

National

National

Advani defends U.P. Governor's decision

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI DEC. 5. The Centre today asserted that the Uttar Pradesh Governor, Vishnu Kant Shastri, had taken a "correct decision" in the recent crisis faced by the Mayawati Government and that there had been no violation of the Constitution.

Replying to a short-duration discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the situation arising out of the recent political developments in the State, the Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani, rejected the Opposition charge that Mr. Shastri had acted "unconstitutionally" in not having summoned the Assembly to test the majority of the ruling coalition.

The Centre had no power to direct the Governor to act in a particular manner, he said. And even if he were to advice Mr. Shastri, as one who was associated with the BJP, it would not have been proper.

Citing the Supreme Court judgment in the Bommai case and the report of the Sarkaria Commission and the Constitution, Mr. Advani said the Governor had used his discretion and calling for a floor test was necessary if he had "reliable evidence" that the Government had lost its majority.

The Centre would discharge its responsibility to ensure there was no violation of the Constitution, he said adding that Mr. Shastri was an "honest and upright" person and that those who knew him would not cast any aspersion on him.

Conceding that there was dissidence in the BJP, Mr. Advani said it was an issue that was of concern and to be dealt with.

Initiating the discussion, Amar Singh of the Samajwadi Party charged the State Government with unleashing the power of the administration to silence its detractors.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National