Decision to return GUJCOC shows Centre’s double standards: BJP

The BJP on Sunday said the Centre’s decision to return the Gujarat Control of Organised Crime (GUJCOC) Bill back to the state government reflected its “double standards” as a nearly similar legislation exists in the Congress-NCP ruled Maharashtra.

“The way in which the GUJCOCA has been returned again by the Central Government is not the right way to fight terror. Such a law is permissible in a Congress-ruled state like Maharashtra but a nearly similar provision for Gujarat is not to be allowed only shows the double standards,” the political resolution adopted by BJP national executive said In New Delhi.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi had on Saturday rejected the amendments suggested by the Centre to GUJCOC,saying it would amount to taking away the “teeth and nails” of the legislation. Modi said if necessary,the Gujarat government would take the Bill back to the state assembly.

The Union Cabinet had on Friday decided to send back the GUJCOC Bill passed by Gujarat Assembly to the state,saying that without three key amendments it could not be sent for President’s assent.