New Arunachal CM likely to be sworn in by tonight

The swearing in of a new Chief Minister in Arunchal Pradesh is likely to take place by tonight, as Congress legislators in a resolution today authorised party president Sonia Gandhi to choose a successor to Dorjee Khandu, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Tawang district on Saturday.

Raj Bhawan PRO Atum Potom said, "There is every possibility of the swearing-in tonight."

Front-runners in the race are Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president and PWD Minister Nabam Tuki, Power Minister Jarbom Gamlin, Finance Minister Setong Sena and RWD Minister Kalikho Pul, party sources said.

Though most aspirants for the top post were tight lipped, a senior party leader said on condition of anonymity that Congress legislators were interviewed individually by top leaders, including Union ministers Handique, V Narayansamy, Mukul Wasnik and Salman Khursheed.

Later, a single line resolution by the CLP was faxed to the Congress president.

Union Minister for Development of North Eastern region B K Handique had hinted earlier in the day that the new chief minister would take the oath of office in the evening.