Cong matter-of-fact, BJP livid

He cited the examples of Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, where ‘‘gadbad (trouble)’’ happened due to the governors. ‘‘We have taken action in states where the incumbents had different ideologies, and also where there is history of trouble. Removing them was a precautionary measure,’’ he said at a press conference. ‘‘A person with a particular ideology finds it difficult to understand another viewpoint or sometimes, does not want to understand. This can create difficulties, especially at a time when a government of one ideology is replaced with that of another.”

Reacting to the BJP’s criticism, Patil said the governors functioned at the pleasure of the President. ‘‘Those who criticise the dismissal had dissolved nine Legislative Assemblies in one go (in 1977). Dismissing elected persons affects federalism and not dismissing nominated persons. Maybe, the act created some unpleasantness but people should not complain,’’ he said.

About the third round of talks with the Hurriyat Conference, Patil said: ‘‘If something better, some good development is coming, there is no problem of any higher-up, including the highest talking to them…let the ground be prepared first.” On the timeframe for talks, Patil said it also depended upon the convenience of the Hurriyat leaders.

On POTA, Patil said that a Bill to repeal the law will be tabled in the Budget Session.