Congress Undemocratic Ideology - 4

[Guest]

<b>Article 355 in Karnataka</b>

New Delhi Sept. 18: The Centre, in a strong signal to states ruled by the BJP and its allies, issued a warning Thursday night to the Karnataka and Orissa governments over attacks on churches and the Christian community there. The rare caution, under Article 355 of the Constitution, could be an indication New Delhi is prepared to go a step further and invoke Article 356, imposing President’s Rule.

The Bajrang Dal and other Sangh Parivar outfits have unleashed a series of violent attacks on Christians in both states. Under Article 355, the Centre can issue directions to all states to take measures to maintain law and order. The Karnataka government confirmed Thursday night it had got an advisory under Article 355.

<b>With elections approaching, this action is a signal to the Congress’ votebank among minorities as well as to the “floating secular Hindu votebank”, a party leader said</b>. The Left parties have been pressing for a ban on the Bajrang Dal. A BJP leader said, however, this was only a ploy by the Congress to “divert attention” from the “rapid increase in terrorist attacks across the nation.” BJP leaders felt the Congress was unlikely to impose President’s Rule in the two NDA-ruled states.