Arunachal CM writes to PM, President; seeks intervention in ongoing political crisis

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki on Wednesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee, asking for their intervention in ongoing political crisis in the state.

In his letters, Tuki informed them of the "unilateral decision taken by Governor J.P. Rajkhowa by summoning the Assembly session without consulting the democratically-elected government.

"As per the provisions of Article 174 of Constitution, the Governor can summon session of the Legislative Assembly only on the aid and advice of the Chief Minister and his Council of Ministers. On the contrary, the Governor, on the strength of Article 175(2) issues a message for summoning a session," Tuki said in his letters.

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He said that both the President and the Prime Minister are aware that message under Article 175(2) is only for a Bill and not any resolution of the members of the House.

"Furthermore, the Governor, not stopping by issuing this illegal order, also issues the agenda of the business to be transacted by selectively taking up pending business of removal of the Speaker to be chaired by the Deputy Speaker whereas the notice for removal of Deputy Speaker was submitted earlier to the Assembly secretariat," he said.

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The Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister further added that he, along with his council of ministers, called on the Governor on December 15 but despite registering protest and requests urging him to reconsider his illegal order, he refused to heed to their pleadings.

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"In utter violation of all norms and laid down procedures, the Deputy Speaker, who stands disqualified along with some legislators convenes the illegal session with the permission of the Governor, in a badminton court and passes resolution for removal of the Speaker," the letters said.

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"This is unprecedented murder of democracy and bypass of a democratically-elected government and in contravention to the provisions and ideals of the Constitution. I seek your support and timely intervention on the issue in the larger interest of the nation and to uphold the ideals as enshrined in the Constitution," the letters added.

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The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet on Monday had endorsed the opinions of Advocate General and other legal experts on the constitutionality of the December 12 order of State Governor J.P. Rajkhowa to prepone the assembly session from January 14 next to December 16.