Legally, I am CM of Arunachal Pradesh, says Pul

A day after the Supreme Court ordered to maintain "status quo ante as it prevailed on December 15" last year in Arunachal Pradesh, rebel Congress leader Kalikho Pul on Thursday claimed that legally he continued to be the Chief Minister.

Pul, addressing a press conference here, also claimed that he has majority in the assembly and will prove it on the floor of the house when required.

Pul said he was accompanied by 30 other legislators.

"Legally, I am the Chief Minister and this is my cabinet," Pul said, pointing to the legislators sitting beside him.

Earlier in the day, Congress leader Nabam Tuki said he will reach Itanagar and hold a meeting of the Council of Ministers.

"I am going to Itanagar today. I will convene a meeting of council of ministers and Congress Legislature Party," he tweeted.

Tuki on Wednesday wrote to acting Arunachal Pradesh Governor Tathagata Roy, saying he is taking charge as Chief Minister of the state in view of the Supreme Court verdict to maintain "status quo ante as it prevailed on December 15 last year".

"Resumed my duties as Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh in compliance with Supreme Court order," Tuki had tweeted.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma said that Pul had majority support in the assembly. However, he referred to Pul as former Chief Minister.

"Kalikho Pul, Ex CM Arunachal addressing a press conference. 41 MLA's has showed support 2 him. @rammadhavbjp @AmitShah," he tweeted.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has 11 members in the 60 member Arunachal Pradesh assembly and it is supporting Pul in the assembly.