Centre justifies President's rule, says Govt in minority

New Delhi, Jan 4 (UNI) The Home Ministry today said the decision to impose President's Rule in Nagaland was taken after the voting pattern during the no-confidence motion in the state Asembly clearly demonstrated that the Government of the day had lost the majority support.

''Votes cast by nine members of the Legislative Assembly were not counted and three members were not allowed to vote by the Speaker.

The decision not to count or allow the votes was against the Constitutional provisions,'' it said.

''These facts amounted to Constitutional break-down of the State machinery, and the Government of the day was not in a position to be run in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. In these circumstances, there was no option except to invoke the provisions of Article 356(1) and recommend imposition of President's rule in the State,'' the Ministry said.

It said the reports of the Governor indicated that for the past few months, the political situation in Nagaland had been in a state of flux, which climaxed in the developments in the State Assembly on December 13 last, when a motion of no confidence was taken up for consideration.

The Governor and the State Administration have been asked to take all measures so that a fair and impartial administration and governance as per the Constitution and provisions of law are provided to the people of the State, it said, adding that necessary steps for the appointment of Advisers to assist the Governor were also being taken.

President's Rule was imposed last evening after the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) held a marathon meeting on Nagaland issue. The BJP-backed Democratic Alliance government won a controversial no-confidence motion last month.

The imposition of President's rule in the State came ahead of the Assembly elections due in Nagaland in February.

UNI NAZ MSJ RK1936