Days before Arunachal Pradesh came under President’s Rule, governor J.P. Rajkhowa had told the Centre that there was a breakdown of constitutional machinery in the state.
Days before Arunachal Pradesh came under President’s Rule, governor J.P. Rajkhowa had told the Centre that there was a breakdown of constitutional machinery in the state.
Mr Rajkhowa had also informed the President that he and his family members apprehended grave danger to their lives due to public criticism and frequent gherao of the Raj Bhavan premises and use of “filthy language”. A month later, in his “special report”, Mr Rajkhowa said 31 MLAs from the present strength of 58 supported Kalikho Pul as their leader and staked claim to form government.
“Thus, the majority of MLAs have supported Kalikho Pul as the Leader of the House and the next chief minister. In view of the foregoing, the Hon’ble President may consider revoking the proclamation imposing President’s Rule so as to enable formation of a democratically elected government enjoying majority in the House,” he said in his report dated February 16.
In his first letter dated January 15, the governor said Arunachal Pradesh “has been suffering badly in the field of development, delivery of public services, management of state’s resources, maintenance of law and order etc due to political instability, more particularly since September-October 2015, caused by dissidence in the ruling Congress party and consequent chaotic conditions”. He said that “constitutional machinery has already broken down”.
Mr Rajkhowa said in a House of 60 members, the (then) ruling Congress led by (then) chief minister Nabam Tuki has the support of only 26 MLAs, including himself, and Speaker Nabam Rebia as against the earlier backing of 47 MLAs. The report said 21 “dissident” MLAs openly revolted against Mr Tuki.
The Union Cabinet had recommended the imposition of President’s Rule in the state on January 24, which was imposed on January 26. On February 17, the Central rule was revoked and the same night Mr Pul sworn in as new CM.
