BJP hits back at Congress over Gopal Subramanium controversy

New Delhi: BJP on Wednesday hit back at Congress for its remarks against Narendra Modi government over Chief Justice of India's criticism on Gopal Subramaniam row, saying Congress has no moral right to raise the issue as it has caused "the most damage" to institutions during its rule.

While holding the independence of the judiciary in high esteem, BJP justified the government action in the case saying it has every right to put forth its views under the Constitution.

"The government has every right to put forth its opinion independently and it cannot be termed as biased as the Constitution allows it to do so. Congress has no moral right to talk on the issue as it has caused the most damage to institutions during its long rule," BJP's medical cell incharge Shrikant Sharma said.

He cited imposition of Emergency and the appointment of a 'tainted' person as CVC in order to cover up its "corruption" which was later struck down by the Supreme Court to drive home its argument.

"In order to cover up its corruption, Congress had appointed a tainted person as Chief Vigilance Commissioner while undermining the objections raised by the Leader of the Opposition. The Supreme Court had to intervene and strike down the appointment," he said adding Congress has no moral right left to talk of bias and vendatta.

Sharma also said that during the Emergency most constitutional bodies and the Press were silenced and the era saw "undermining" of the independence of the judiciary.

Defending the government, he said the Constitution allows every right to the government to put forth its views and there was nothing wrong the government had done.

Congress criticised the government over CJI's criticism on the issue of appointment of Gopal Subramanium as Supreme Court judge and accused the Narendra Modi government of playing vendetta politics and committing grave breach of constitutional norms.

"There is no doubt in the nation's mind that the sole and only sin committed by Gopal Subramanium is that as Amicus Curie he gave adverse report" on Modi government in Gujarat, party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said.