Answering questions on the SC’s ruling, Ravi Shankar Prasad at a briefing on the Cabinet meeting said that his Government will do a “structured examination” of the order restoring the dismissed Congress Government in Arunachal Pradesh and its implications before making a detailed response. “I was invited to form the government after I had paraded 32 MLAs before the governor in February”, Pul said in the sidelines of the NEDA conclave on Wednesday.
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“Informed Honourable Governor regarding the same”, he said in another tweet.
The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday restored the Congress government in Arunachal Pradesh in a major blow to the central government ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Speaker later challenged in court the governor’s right to call a session. 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. “I salute the Supreme Court for having upheld constitutional values on the basis of which only democracy can survive”, he said. “They are trying to dislodge Congress ruled states as part of the programme”, said senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal, who presented Tuki’s case at the SC.
Tuki welcomed the court’s verdict and said, “A historic and remarkable judgement which was expected by the people of country”.
“I will win the floor test, but I need 10-15 days’ time because many MLAs are away and they can not come to Itanagar by Saturday because of the hard topography and communication bottlenecks”, Tuki told Hindustan Times in his office.
In Guwahati, chief minister Kalikho Pul maintained that there was “no threat” to his government and he will file a review petition in the Supreme Court.
Asked about the Congress charge that BJP was harming democracy by toppling elected governments, Prasad said, “such remarks from the Congress makes one laugh and reminds one of the Congress’ past record on such matters”. Arunachal Pradesh was placed under President’s rule on January 26.
If that is true then Nabam Tuki, who was ousted from power in an Assembly “session” that was held first in a community hall and then in a hotel on December 16 and 17, would be left with just five MLAs including himself.
However, BJP is still keeping its hopes alive of “dethroned” CM Kalikho Pul returning to power.
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Tuki, who is presently camping in the national capital, said over phone that he has full faith in the judiciary.
