CPI opposes Centre's plan to set up NCTC

Disapproving of the Centre's plan to set up a National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), CPI on Saturday said it will oppose any government attempt to usurp powers of the state and warned that such moves will only create tensions and affect the country's federal polity.

In a statement, the party said it vehemently opposes such tendency and urged all democratic forces to stand up in defence of federalism" in India.

"This (the move to set up NCTC) is justifiably objected to by several Chief Ministers as it goes against the federal structure and the spirit of Constitution and transgresses into the powers of state governments.

"It is highly authoritarian on the part of Home Ministry to initiate the establishment of a new powerful National Centre without proper debate and discussion with the Chief Ministers of states. It is also necessary to discuss it in Parliament which will be meeting in the second week of March as it involves the centre-state relations," it said.

The party rejected the explanation given by the Home Ministry that NCTC is being formed for better co-ordination among agencies to fight terror.

"Because this will lead to a situation that the NCTC will get sweeping powers. There is danger of politicising the powers vested in it," the CPI said.

"There is a growing tendency of usurping powers of states on one pretext or other by the Centre in the recent period which will create tensions and unhealthy atmosphere and affect the federal polity of the country," it said.