Modi's sinister design exposed in J&K: Congress

In the wake of Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik's assertions of not "looking to Delhi" on government formation in the state, the Congress on Tuesday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "sinister design" to install an illegitimate government in the state.

The Congress also accused the Governor of inflicting long-term damage to India's interest in Jammu and Kashmir.

In his bid to defend the abrupt dissolution of the state Assembly, Malik had said that "had he looked to Delhi, he would have had to install a government led by Peoples Conference leader Sajjad Lone, and history would have remembered him as a dishonest man.

The remarks, that could possibly embarrass the Centre's ruling BJP, were made by Malik on Saturday at an event in Gwalior.

"J&K Governor has exposed Modi government's sinister design of installing an illegitimate government by horse-trading and coercion. From Goa to Arunachal Pradesh, J&K to Tamil Nadu, this has been Modi's (modus) operandi. PM must answer for the rank political dishonesty," said Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala reacting to Malik's claims.

Addressing a media conference here Congress leader Manish Tewari said the Governor in his attempts to defend was "tying himself up in his knots".

"The fact remains what the Governor did was nothing short of a command performance and he did it on the instructions of Delhi. The Governor has done long-term damage to India's interest in J&K," said Tewari.

"That is a reality which unfortunately will have implications in the future also.

"What Governor is trying to do is really emulate his masters in Delhi who have done a PhD in a flip-flop, U-turns, somersaults and the reality is that Narendra Modi government has no policy towards J&K," he added.

The Governor on November 21, dissolved the Assembly after the Mehbooba Mufti-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) staked claim to form a government along with the Congress and with the outside backing of the National Conference.

In no time, Lone made a counterclaim to power with the backing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and rebel PDP MLAs.

(With inputs from agencies.)