Shatrughan questions Arunachal Pradesh Prez Rule decision

Disgruntled BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha today criticised the Centre’s decision to impose President’s Rule in Arunachal Pradesh, saying “heavens would not have fallen” if the government had waited for the Supreme Court’s decision on the matter.

The 70-year old BJP MP from Patna Sahib also took potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “great advisors”, wondering what answers will they have if the Supreme Court ruled against it.

“We should have been more cautious and alert when the matter is in the Supreme Court. I think heavens would not have fallen if we had waited for the decision of the Supreme Court. This could have saved us from embarassment and controversy,” Sinha, who has been at variance with the party leadership over a host of issues, said after making a series of tweets on the issue.

He told PTI over phone from Pune that “Narendra Modi is a well meaning Prime Minister. Its the advisors who sometimes give faulty opinion which leads to wrong political moves (which are) certainly not good for health of the party and the government.”

When asked that his views were contrary to that of the party and smacked of dissidence, Sinha said “I have always called a spade a spade. My personal views sometimes may not match with our people. But, my opinion is always intended for good of the party and the nation.”

“I hope wish and pray, they will accept my sincerity and loyalty towards the party,” the actor-turned-politician said.

Earlier in the day, Sinha had tweeted on the microblogging site: “I have tremendous faith in our dashing, dynamic action hero PM. But wonder who the ‘great’ advisors are who advised President’s Rule in Arunachal Pradesh. That too when the matter is sub judice, in the Supreme Court, under a 5 judge constitutional bench. Wonder what was the hurry and worry.”

“God forbid, if the decision does not go in our favor, wonder what explanation and answer we will have for our respected PM,” Sinha had also said.

The Centre had yesterday submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court justifying imposition of President’s Rule, saying there was “complete breakdown” of governance and law and order in the state where the Governor and his family apprehended “grave danger to their lives” every day.

President Pranab Mukherjee had earlier this week given assent to the Union Cabinet’s decision to impose central rule in Arunachal Pradesh.