Sangma's outburst smacks of impropriety: Cong

New Delhi, Jan 4 (UNI) The Congress today took strong exception to NCP leader P A Sangma's remark that the imposition of President's rule in Nagaland was designed to destabilise the region.

Mr Sangma's statement was quite unfortunate, self-incriminatory and contrary to the interest of the region which was very precious to the country, AICC spokesman Abhishek Singhvi told reporters.

''He forgets that his party is also a partner in the Government at the Centre which had taken the decision to impose President's rule,'' Mr Singhvi pointed out.

President's rule was imposed, strictly adhering to the provisions of the Constitution and the Supreme Court order in the SR Bommai case. The government had taken the decision as Chief Minister Nephieo Rio had lost majority, the spokesman said.

The North-Eastern region was quite sensitive and it was the Congress which had provided space for democratic aspiration by entering into accords even at the cost of the prospects of the Congress, he contended.

When the state Assembly met last month, 31 members voted for the no-confidence motion. But the Speaker refused to consider the verdict and took a head count when 31 MLAs had walked out, he said.

It was only on the basis of the Governor's report that the Centre recommended President's rule, Mr Singhvi said.

UNI SN SW KN1803