Khaliko Pul: Will work with Pema Khandu

Pema Khandu, who was elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party on Saturday, staked claim to form the government on the basis of the support of 45 MLAs, including two Independents.

In a volte face, ousted chief minister Khaliko Pul, who was confident of winning the trust vote on Saturday, also returned to the party fold with 30 dissident MLAs.

Mr Pul, who was present at the swearing-in ceremony at Itanagar on Sunday, said he would continue to cooperate with Mr Khandu for the development of the state.

In the 60-member House, with an effective strength of 58, the Congress had the support of 47 MLAs, including two Independents.

The Congress’ crisis was attributed to inept handling of the rebellion. The Congress rebels had demanded that Mr Tuki be replaced, but the high command ignored their plea.

Mr Khandu, a Buddhist Monpa from Tawang, succeeds Nabam Tuki, who belongs to the powerful Nyishi tribe, and Kalikho Pul, from the Mishmi tribe.

The dramatic turn of events in Arunachal Pradesh has created dissension in the regional leadership of the BJP. Noting that some senior BJP leaders were also part of this “coup” in the border state, sources in the Arunachal BJP said there was tacit support of some top BJP leaders who wanted to see a chief minister of his choice in Arunachal Pradesh.