The BJP has turned the controversy relating to the setting up of a National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) into a Centre versus States issue.
The party, which had welcomed the idea after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, has taken the line that opposition to NCTC from several States is a reflection of their complete lack of faith in the UPA government.
BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudi accused the Centre of not taking the States on board in fighting terrorism. “It is a virtual no-confidence against the UPA dispensation.”
Against federalism
He asserted that the NCTC was against federal autonomy. The Centre did not want to keep State governments in the loop in the fight against terror. Its belief that states would not act was misplaced.
At the same time he maintained that the BJP would always support any step the Centre took to fight terror, provided the States were kept in the loop.
Complaint against Verma
A party delegation complained to the Election Commission about Union Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma's remarks on the intent of the Congress to provide 9 per cent reservation to minorities from within the 27 per cent quota to the Other Backward Classes. Mr. Verma had reportedly dared the EC to take action against him.
“We have lodged our complaint against Verma and sought registration of a case against him for violating the model mode of conduct,” BJP general secretary J.P. Nadda said.
In its memorandum, the party asked the EC to consider measures more stringent than a mere censure, such as prosecution and debarring delinquent ministers from electioneering, in extraordinary situations such as the present one “where lawmakers become lawbreakers.”