Political turmoil grips Arunachal Pradesh

20 rebel Congress legislators, 11 BJP MLAs and 2 independents elect a new legislative party leader; want him as chief minister

On a day marked by high drama and political turmoil, 20 rebel Congress legislators along with 11 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs and two independents in Arunachal Pradesh elected a new legislative party leader, "who would be the new chief minister." The proceedings were held outside the Assembly.

The BJP moved a no-confidence motion against the incumbent Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, which was supported by the rebel Congress MLAs and two independents. Kalikho Pul, a rebel Congress member, was elected the new leader of the legislative party. Pul is expected to meet the governor on Thursday to stake his claim. According to observers, the state is heading towards a constitutional crisis if the incumbent chief minister refuses to resign.

Earlier, Governor J P Rajkhowa had advanced the three-day winter session of the Assembly from January 14 to December 16. The Congress government led by Nabam Tuki alleged that the governor was acting to oust him.

To scuttle the rebels' plan, the government had locked the gates of the Assembly on Wednesday. However, the dissidents along with the Opposition held the Assembly meeting from a community hall after seeking the approval of the governor. The meeting was presided over by Deputy Speaker T Norbu Thongdok, a dissident Congress legislator.