BJP exploring all options in Uttarakhand, says Naqvi

Jaipur: Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said BJP is considering all options in Uttarakhand where President's rule has been imposed and asserted that it is confident of winning a majority if polls are held.

"Our state unit is having discussion on all options in Uttarakhand and any decision will now be taken as per ground reality there. If elections take place, BJP will come with full majority," Naqvi said.

Justifying the imposition of President's rule in Uttarakhand on the eve of trust vote, he said, "There was constitutional break down in Uttarakhand and the Central government fulfilled its constitutional responsibility.

"There was a complete constitutional crisis in Uttarakhand in such a situation, it this is needed one hour before, this will be done," Naqvi said.

If the state fails to fulfill its responsibility towards the Constitution, it is the responsibility of the Centre to "correct" it, he said.

Rejecting the allegation that the Modi government is working to destabilize Congress governments in states, Naqvi said Congress was losing ground because of its arrogance and failure to handle its leaders.

"Congress is shrinking but not leaving its arrogance and anarchism. They are losing due to their rebel members. Earlier it was Arunachal Pradesh government and now it is Uttrakhand. They have a few states and the Congress leaders need to handle their party as well as their members," he said.

Taking a dig at former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, he said "Rawat was wearing a veil of honesty" but was "involved in horse trading."

When asked about the issue of chanting 'Bharat mata ki jai', he said that to greet 'Bharat Mata' is not the certificate of nationalism but abusing it is certainly a proof of anti-nationalism.

"Those who abuse Bharat Mata and shout slogans against it, certainly they are anti-national," he said.

Exuding confidence that BJP will win in the upcoming state elections, the Minister said "Modi government is the engine of development that cannot be stopped."

Naqvi also said separatism and terror groups have been unsuccessful in taking roots in the country, be it ISIS or other organisations.

On the government's stand on Pakistan's allegation of apprehending a RAW agent, the minister said that what is required will be done.