ITANAGAR -- In a dramatic turnaround in Arunachal Pradesh, the Congress party today replaced Chief Minister Nabam Tuki by choosing a new leader Pema Khandu, who staked claim to power with the support of 45 party MLAs along with two Independents.
In fast-changing developments, Khaliko Pul, rebel-turned chief minister, who was unseated by the Supreme Court, returned to the party fold with 30 dissident MLAs.
Hours ahead of a scheduled floor test in the Assembly, which Tuki was directed by Governor Tathagat Roy to take, the Congress Legislature Party met and elected 37-year-old Pema Khandu, son of late chief minister Dorjee Khandu, as its new leader.
Tuki proposed the name of Khandu, which was unanimously accepted by 44 MLAs who were present. Speaker Nabam Rebia did not attend the meeting while ousted chief minister Khaliko Pul attended the meeting with the rebel MLAs.
In the 60-member House with an effective strength of 58, Congress now claims the support of 47 MLAs, including two independents.
Ahead of the CLP meeting, Tuki met the Governor and told him of his intention to resign as CLP chief and as chief minister and of the Congress party's decision to elect a new leader.
He told reporters in the presence of Khandu that in view of these developments he told the Governor that he would not be taking a floor test.
Khandu also told the media that he has staked claim to power with the Governor on the basis of support of 47 MLAs, including two independents, and that he should be sworn in.
He said the Governor has not given any commitment yet as he told them that he has to go through records and process their claim.
"Right now the Governor has not commented (on their claim). No time has been given for oath taking," said Khandu, who has been a minister in the state earlier.
Today's developments have come as a major boost for the Congress in the state which was rocked by dissidence since November last year, which led to the toppling of its government and ushering in of a new one headed by Pul with the backing of rebels and outside support of 11 BJP MLAs.
11 Rare Jawaharlal Nehru Photos That You May Not Have Seen Before
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Open Image ModalPandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India, paid a visit to Farms in Midwest near Chicago on October 28, 1949, during his visit to the city. Photo shows Pandit Nehru watching the huge metal oriba used for the storage of Corn during his visit to the Farm. (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
(02 of11)
Open Image ModalPandit Jawaharlal Nehru in a cheery mood, October 1958. (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
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Open Image ModalShri Jawaharlal Nehru photographed with Mr Valera at Government House in June 1948. (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
(04 of11)
Open Image ModalPandit Jawaharlal Nehru talking to an Indian Naval Cadet during his inspection of the Naval Cadets at Vizagapatam. Pandit Nehru visited Vizagapatam in connection with the launching of the "Jala Usha" India's first modern home-built naval vessel. (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
(05 of11)
Open Image ModalShrimati vijaya Lakshmi, India’s Ambassador to the U.S.A. introduces Priti Kaul, 2-and-a-half year old daughter of the Indian Embassy’s First Secretary to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Prime minister of India at a reception held in the chancery of India in Washington on October 12, 1949. (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
(06 of11)
Open Image Modal The Prime Minister, Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, shaking hands with one of the children who had come to see the Beating of the Retreat on January 29, 1957. (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
(07 of11)
Open Image Modal Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India, arrived at Rockliffe Airport on October 23, 1949, for a three day visit to the Canadian Capital, Ottawa. In the photo Pt. Nehru is seen coming out of the plane on arrival at the Airport. (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
(08 of11)
Open Image ModalPandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India, with daughter Indira. (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
(09 of11)
Open Image ModalThe Prime Minister, Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, photographed in a happy mood at National Stadium, New Delhi, on November 14, 1957, during the Children’s Day Celebrations. (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
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Open Image ModalPhotograph taken on the occasion of the Prime Minister, Shri Jawaharlal Nehru's visit to Ootomamund in June 1948. Shri Jawaharlal Nehru is photographed with the daughter of Sir Archibald Nye. (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
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Open Image ModalMrs Indira Gandhi with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Prime Minister of India photographed at Palam Aerodrome on October 3, 1949, before her departure for London. (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)