Kalikho Pul planning to parade 43 MLAs in Arunachal Pradesh; Nabam Tuki confident of Congress return

Itanagar: Rebel Congress leader Kalikho Pul, whose government in Arunachal Pradesh was effectively declared null and void by the Supreme Court on Wednesday, on Thursday said he respected the apex court judgement but asked everyone to wait for the Assembly floor test.

“Let the floor test begin, things will become clear after that,” Pul told the media, while maintaining there was "no threat" to his government.

Reports said Pul is planning to parade 43 MLAs at a press conference to show support for his government. The Arunachal Pradesh Assembly has 60 members.

"The government runs only with numbers. There is no threat to our government. That will be decided on the floor of the Assembly," Pul had said yesterday also, while stating he will file a review petition in the Supreme Court.

He today said Arunachal Pradesh Governor JP Rajkhowa's decision to prepone the state Assembly session was within the framework of the Constitution.

Pul, leader of dissident Congress MLAs, had formed government in the state with the support of BJP MLAs.

On Wednesday, dealing a blow to the Centre, the Supreme Court had restored ousted Congress Chief Minister Nabam Tuki in Arunachal Pradesh.

In a unanimous verdict, a Constitution bench of Justices JS Khehar, Dipak Misra, Madan B Lokur, Pinaki Chandra Ghosh and NV Ramana directed the restoration of the status quo ante as it existed on December 15, 2015, effectively bringing Tuki back as the chief minister of the northeastern state.

The court quashed Governor Rajkhowa's decision to advance the Assembly session by a month and said the Governor "cannot interfere in the activities of the Assembly".

The court quashed President's Rule imposed in the state and all the decisions taken by Governor Rajkhowa leading to its imposition.

On December 16, the Nabam Tuki government was dismissed in an Assembly session called by the Governor. The bench called the actions of Governor Rajkhowa as "illegal" and violative of the Constitutional provisions.

Tuki, who last night wrote to acting Arunachal Pradesh Governor Tathagata Roy, said he was taking charge as chief minister in view of the Supreme Court verdict.

Roy has been given the additional charge of Governor of Arunachal Pradesh during the leave of absence of incumbent Governor Rajkhowa.

"Resumed my duties as Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh in compliance with Supreme Court order," Tuki tweeted yesterday.

He today said the Congress as a party has majority and will rule the state.

“What happened was unfortunate, I regret it. But I will bring house in order, Congress is a family,” Tuki said.

“I am talking to all members and colleagues and keeping in touch with them. The party will decide the future course of action,” he added.

Tuki had said yesterday that he will talk to all 47 Congress MLAs, including dissidents.