New Delhi : With the Supreme Court putting no hurdle in formation of a new government, the Union Cabinet may recommend revocation of President’s rule in Arunachal Pradesh soon, possibly by Wednesday.
The Home Ministry is waiting for a report from Governor J P Rajkhowa about the latest political situation in the sensitive border state after 31 MLAs, led by Congress dissident Kalikho Pul, met him on Monday.
Official sources said the Governor’s report is expected soon and if it suggests formation of a new government, the Home Ministry will present a note before tomorrow’s scheduled meeting of the Union Cabinet to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On Monday, Pul, accompanied by 31 MLAs, had called on the Governor to stake claim to form the next government in the state which is under President’s Rule. He was accompanied by 19 Congress MLAs along with 11 BJP legislators and two independent members. This led to Congress moving the Supreme Court seeking an order that no new government formation is permitted and status quo be maintained. However, the apex court refused to pass an interim order restraining the Governor from swearing in a new government in Arunachal Pradesh.
The revolt by Congress dissidents led by Pul led to a political crisis in the state that finally led to imposition of President’s rule on January 26. Former chief minister Nabam Tuki reportedly has the support of 26 MLAs in the 60-member Assembly. Congress, which had 47 MLAs in the 60-member assembly, suffered a jolt when 21 of its lawmakers revolted against Tuki’s leadership. Eleven BJP MLAs and two independents backed the rebels in the bid to upstage the government. Later, 14 rebel Congress MLAs were disqualified by the Speaker. The Supreme Court, which is considering pleas against imposition of President’s rule in Arunachal Pradesh, is hearing petitions seeking examination of constitutional schemes on the scope of discretionary powers of the Governor.
