Arunachal political situation takes new turn

Arunachal Pradesh, which is facing a political upheaval over the leadership issue, received another jolt with Chief Minister Nabam Tuki recommending Governor Jyoti Prashad Rajkhowa to drop four senior ministers from his council of ministers.
The Chief Minister's Office, however, declined to comment on the new development which took yesterday. The Governor, meanwhile, was out of station.
The ministers who lost their posts include, Agriculture Minister Chowna Mein, Panchayati Raj Institutions and Cooperative Minister Kumar Waii, Women and Child Development Minister, Wanglin Lowangdong and Civil Aviation Minister Thangham Wangham.
Reportedly a large number of Congress MLAs of the total 47 in the 60-member house have revolted against Tuki, led by former Finance Minister Kalikho Pul.

Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) Chief Padi Richo reacting to the development said how can a legislator (Pul) who was once expelled from the party, lead the MLAs? He had also cautioned the senior leaders including ministers and MLAs, of action against anti-party activities.
"It is the prerogative of the chief minister to drop any ministers but he has to cite the ground on what basis I am being dropped," Mein said, when contacted.

"It is party's inner democracy to oppose somebody. There could be difference in opinions but it does not mean that the person who opposes the leadership should be dropped. This is unfortunate," Mein said.

"In the last one year there is no governance at all... Finance of the state is in shambles. Being the minister in charge, the chief minister should discuss the financial condition of the state in the cabinet and should have sought suggestions from his cabinet colleagues on ways and means to improve the state's financial health but he never discussed with us," Mein said.
"The Centre had sanctioned an amount of Rs 58 crore under central schemes to my department. Surprisingly, even half of the fund was not released to the department in the last one year which is very unfortunate," he added.