Itanagar: The Arunchal Pradesh governor has asked Chief Minister Nabam Tuki of the Congress, reinstated by a Supreme Court order yesterday, to prove he has a majority in the state assembly in a Trust Vote on Saturday, July 16, sources said today. Rijiju also shrugged off responsibility for the Centre’s decision to impose President’s Rule in Arunachal in January and said the Union cabinet had merely acted on the advice of governor JP Rajkhowa. That includes 43 lawmakers – 30 Congress rebels led by their leader Kalikho Pul, two Independents and 11 from the BJP.
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But the court, however, at the time did not deem it fit to intervene with the installation of Mr. Pul as Chief Minister on February 19, following the lifting of President’s rule, leaving many with their fingers crossed on the fate of this case.
The Congress after this victory in the Supreme Court would try and form the government.
Tuki government was dismissed following days of turmoil after 21 of the 47 Congress MLAs rebelled against him.
Far from being embarrassed by the Supreme Court verdict, or showing any signs of regret, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party appeared in a defiant frame of mind, and questioned as to whether the order “strengthens or weakens” the democratic spirit. The bench called the actions of Governor J.P. Rajkhowa as “illegal” and violative of the Constitutional provisions. “It paves way to protect healthy democracy in the country”, Tuki said. After hours of SC verdict, Former congress chief minister Nabam Tuki assumes office.
Top Congress leaders on Wednesday discussed the strategy with party president Sonia Gandhi at her residence, where they are also learnt to have discussed its strategy on Goods and Service Tax Bill.
Sources said the Center may seek clarification from the apex court on the fate of the Kalikho Pul government which had come to power after proving majority on the floor of the House as per the established legislative procedure.
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On December 16 a year ago a special session of the Assembly was held in a make-shift venue as the government and Speaker prevented the session from being held in the Assembly. The latest verdict directs the restoration of the status quo ante as it existed on December 15, 2015, in Arunachal Pradesh, effectively bringing Tuki back as the chief minister.
