February 18, 2012
Chief Minister plays significant role over NCTC, writes to PM
Ms. Mamata Banerjee has sought a review of the Centre's decision citing 'anti-federal' provisions in it. She has written letter to the Prime Minister demanding a "review and withdrawal" of the decision.
"It is difficult for the state government to accept such arbitrary exercise of power by the central government/central agency, which has a bearing on the rights and privilege of the states as enshrined in the Constitution of India," Ms. Banerjee said in her letter.
In her letter to the Prime Minister, she said the notification issued by the Centre on February 3 for the establishment of NCTC has given extensive powers to the anti-terror body.
"Officers of the Operations Division of the NCTC will have the power to arrest and search under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. Also, all authorities, including the functionaries of the state governments, are required to provide information/documents to the NCTC. The order, therefore, appears to be an infringement on the powers of state governments in matters of investigation and maintenance of order," Ms. Banerjee said.
Similar discontent has been raised by Odisha Chief Minister Mr. Naveen Patnaik, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister PK Dhumal and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
